The World Cup 'Pride Match' Iran and Egypt tried to stop - video

The World Cup 'Pride Match' Iran and Egypt tried to stop - video

Seattle’s World Cup committee is pushing forward with “Pride Match” celebrations this week despite backlash from Egypt and Iran, who have called for the cancellation of LGBTQ+ rights festivities around the game. Last year, Seattle’s local organising committee, which is separate from Fifa, made plans for 26 June to be a Pride-themed match coinciding with the city’s annual Pride weekend. In December, Egypt and Iran were drawn to play each other on that date in Seattle, causing a swift firestorm and condemnation from the two countries, as Sam Levin explains Seattle prepares for unlikely matchup as its World Cup Pride celebration: Egypt v Iran Continue reading...

Fifa anger Iran and Egypt by allowing rainbow flags at World Cup's 'Pride Match'

FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted inside Lumen Field when Iran face Egypt in Seattle's designated "Pride Match" on Friday, dismissing lobbying efforts from both Muslim-majority nations. The world governing body stated that the 2026 World Cup is "an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds," adding that "fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome at matches and events." Rainbow flags and other symbols representing sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly allowed under the tournament's stadium code of conduct, FIFA confirmed. Both Iran and Egypt had pressed for restrictions on Pride-related expressions during the Group G fixture. Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj condemned the situation, whilst Egypt's Football Association wrote to FIFA "categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match." The designation of the 26th June fixture as a "Pride Match" was established by Seattle's local organising committee well before December's World Cup draw determined which teams would participate. When the draw placed Iran and Egypt in the Group G slot, the pairing created an immediate tension with the host city's intentions. Egypt's Football Association subsequently urged FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities, arguing that such events conflicted with the country's cultural and religious values. Iran's governing body filed a formal objection with FIFA. Same-sex relations can carry the death penalty in the Islamic Republic. The Pride Match remains "a host city initiative" and is separate from FIFA, a spokesperson for football's governing body told Reuters. Seattle's Pride weekend celebrations have taken place on this weekend for more than fifty years. Members of Seattle's LGBTQ+ community have expressed optimism that the fixture could serve as a catalyst for broader acceptance. Jon Cairns, the 49-year-old manager of local LGBTQ+ venue Kremwer