Egypt And Iran Clash With FIFA Over 2026 World Cup ‘Pride Match’

Two countries that criminalize homosexuality have asked to be left out of a soccer match that is being branded as a celebration of homosexuality.

Egypt and Iran, who are scheduled to play in Seattle on June 26, the same day that Seattle is holding its “Pride Match,” said that they want no part of the LGBT celebration. This should come as a shock to no one. While the pride theme was determined before last weekend’s team draw that put Egypt and Iran on the June 26 slot, backlash was to be expected.

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In a letter sent to FIFA, the Egyptian Football Association requested that there be no activities glorifying homosexuality during the match with Iran. Egypt references FIFA’s policies requiring FIFA competitions to avoid anything that brings conflict between fans from different backgrounds.

“The Egyptian Federation categorically rejects these calls and demands that FIFA not hold any events or performances related to supporting (homosexuality) inside the stadium on match day.”

The Egyptian Football Association said that it “rejects such activities” such as promoting homosexuality during the soccer match that “directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values ​​in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies.”

Iran made a similar statement.

President of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, spoke to state media and denounced the decision to use pride branding for the match.

“Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point.”

Taj said Iran would bring up the issue at a FIFA Council meeting next week in Qatar, another country that will start their quest for the World Cup in Seattle.

Egypt, Iran, and Qatar have laws against homosexuality.

In Egypt, if someone is caught engaging in homosexual activity, it’s punishable with up to three years in prison, and they may be forced to pay a hefty fine, according to Human Rights Watch. In Iran, capital punishment remains the maximum penalty for homosexuality under the law.

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Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee is organizing the “Pride Match” that is still set to go on despite the two countries’ requests during the city’s Pride weekend. This committee isn’t associated with FIFA or endorsed by it.

A spokesperson for Seattle’s FIFA World Cup committee, which is directly associated with the soccer tournament, told the BBC that plans for that weekend focus on events around the city, not inside the stadium or during the soccer match.

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“As the local organizing committee, our role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” Tedesse told the BBC. “Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle.”

SeattleFWC26 called inclusion Seattle’s “greatest strength.”

“We have a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact. One that educates the world, inspires our LGBTQ+ community, and uplifts LGBTQ+ businesses and cultural organizations,” the local organizing committee states.

During the 2022 World Cup, FIFA threatened sanctions for European countries that wanted to wear pride-themed LGBT bands — the countries ultimately decided against it.

The “Pride Match” is scheduled for June 26 at Seattle’s Lumen Field. The Daily Wire has reached out to FIFA to comment on Egypt’s and Iran’s request to take pride out of play.