World Cup: 'Pride Match' sparks objections in Egypt and Iran
Friday night's game in Seattle was designated as a "Pride Match" well ahead of the World Cup draw. The fixture list then threw up Egypt
Friday night's game in Seattle was designated as a "Pride Match" well ahead of the World Cup draw. The fixture list then threw up Egypt vs. Iran, two countries in which homosexuality is criminalized. Rainbow flags in the stands, Pride events across the city, colorful parties in the streets. And right in the middle of it all: a football match between two nations united in their hostility toward the LGBTQ+ community. Saturday's World Cup Group G clash between Iran and Egypt in northwestern US city of Seattle won't just determine who will progress to the knock-out round; it is also generating significant political controversy in the buildup. In the first official "Pride Match" in World Cup history, the two competing teams hail from Muslim-majority nations where the LGBTQ+ community faces immense hardship and even criminal prosecution. Federations criticize FIFA The fact that this situation has arisen is ultimately a coincidence. Even before the World Cup group draw in December, and before the specific matchups were known, the local organizing committee in Seattle had designated the game a "Pride Match," around a festival on the last weekend of June.
But the inclusion of fixture in the city's Pride celebrations has not gone down well with the two participating football federations A spokesperson for the Iranian national team told The Athletic that they were taking the matter "seriously," so seriously that the two opponents even joined forces before the match to stage a renewed protest, just as they had done when the fixture was first announced. After all, the Iranian federation noted, Egypt and Iran are "two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities," countries that share "values and beliefs." The Iranian team represents a country in which homosexuality is punishable by death Image: Nico Vereecken/Photo News/IMAGO They have urged FIFA to take "the necessary steps" to "ensure that no such ceremonies or promotional activities take place in the stadium." The aim is to prevent symbols associated with "the movement" — as the federation referred to the LGBTQ+ community — from appearing inside the stadium, including rainbow flags.
For weeks, there has even been talk of a potential boycott or the match being called off. However, experts consider such a drastic reaction unlikely. The LGBTQ+ community faces intense pressure in both Iran, where the death penalty can be imposed for homosexual acts, and in Egypt, where homosexuality can also lead to criminal prosecution. FIFA – Political stances vary by host FIFA has remained steadfast so far. In response to an inquiry from The Athletic, the organization stated that the World Cup is an "inclusive event" and that fans of all sexual orientations are "welcome" at the matches. This demonstrates that the global governing body prefers to align its stance on political messages with the conditions in the host countries rather than adhering to a clear policy of its own. In Qatar in 2022, the wearing of the "One Love" captain's armband was banned. Fans displaying certain symbols, such as the rainbow flag, were denied entry to the stadiums.
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