Iran has urged FIFA to bar rainbow and Pride symbols from its World Cup group-stage match against Egypt on June 26 at Seattle’s Lumen Field. The game had been informally labeled a “Pride Match” by local organizers in Seattle, who planned activities around Pride Month and had dedicated a webpage to the event. The Iran-Egypt fixture now coincides with those plans, and Tehran wants them stopped.
According to a report in The Athletic, the Iranian football federation sent FIFA a letter requesting that all symbols connected to the Pride movement be kept out of the stadium. It argued that the two teams represent Muslim countries and that the “values and beliefs” of Iran and Egypt should be respected. A team spokesman said Iran had made its position clear through the proper channels and insisted that no “ceremonies or promotional activities” linked to the movement should take place inside the venue or around the official match environment.
Iran is already in dispute with FIFA over its World Cup treatment and plans to file a formal complaint about travel restrictions. The team was forced to leave the United States immediately after its matches because of continuing tensions between the countries amid the Middle East conflict. Donald Trump had earlier called for Iran to be removed from the tournament, then reversed himself after meeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Iran has played its first two matches and drew both, against Belgium and New Zealand. It now faces Egypt, which tops Group G, in what could decide the group standings. FIFA has not yet issued an official response to Iran’s request, though it has previously said the World Cup is an “inclusive and accepting” event. FIFA also allows Pride flags and symbols at World Cup matches, but Infantino has said there will be no official “Pride Match” at the tournament.
