Special events need special celebrations, so hoisting foreign flags pales in comparison to the magnitude of the stakes at play.

Barcelona have agreed to withdraw an appeal against fines imposed by UEFA last year after their supporters waved pro-Catalan independence flags at two matches, European soccer's governing body said on Monday.

Most of the five stars on the Chinese flags being used at medal ceremonies at the Rio Olympics are misaligned, officials say, prompting a diplomatic protest and online fury.