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2d ago

Egypt, Iran Urge FIFA to Halt Seattle World Cup Pride Match

Seattle organizers say the locally run June 26 event will proceed, leaving FIFA to handle formal protests and Iran’s warning over possible visa hurdles for players.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 03: A fan waves a Pride flag before the game between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers at Lumen Field on June 03, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
A general overall aerial view of Lumen Field.
Football supporters are seen with LGBT pride flags on their way to the stadium before the Euro 2020 soccer championship group F match between Germany and Hungary at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, June 23, 2021.
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Overview

  • The Group G fixture on June 26 at Seattle’s Lumen Field, designated a Pride Match months before the draw, will feature Egypt vs. Iran.
  • SeattleFWC26 says the Pride branding and programming are independent of FIFA and were timed to the city’s Pride weekend and the Stonewall anniversary.
  • Egypt’s football federation sent a letter to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafström rejecting any LGBTQ-related activities around the game and urging that stadium events be canceled.
  • Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj criticized the designation as an irrational move, said Tehran would appeal to FIFA, and warned some players could face U.S. visa issues linked to military service.
  • FIFA has not issued a ruling, while Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee says celebrations around the match will proceed as planned.