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21h ago

Egypt and Iran Challenge Seattle World Cup ‘Pride Match’ as Organizers Vow to Proceed

FIFA has not issued a decision on the complaints, with Seattle’s plans focused on community events outside the stadium.

The Dykes on Bikes lead the Seattle Pride Parade, Sunday, June 25, 2017. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com)
Jun 16, 2022; New York, New York, USA; A general view of a hallway showing the FIFA World Cup 2026 logo leading to the FIFA World Cup Announcement room. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
Image
Workers clear the turf at B.C. Place during a FIFA World Cup 2026 update in Vancouver, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Overview

  • The Egyptian FA said it sent FIFA a letter “categorically rejecting” any LGBTQ-support activities inside the stadium for the June 26 Egypt–Iran match in Seattle.
  • Iran federation president Mehdi Taj denounced the Pride-themed plans on state TV and said the matter will be raised at next week’s FIFA Council meeting in Qatar.
  • Seattle’s local World Cup committee said it is moving forward with Pride weekend programming in the city and emphasized that it does not run in-stadium activities.
  • Organizers noted FIFA’s control extends to stadiums and official fan zones, while community events like Seattle PrideFest fall outside its jurisdiction; FIFA declined public comment.
  • Both nations criminalize same-sex relations, and reporting notes FIFA tournament rules permit rainbow flags as “social symbols,” a policy reiterated after incidents at the 2022 World Cup.