Iran’s Football Federation have released a statement in response to the upcoming “Pride Match” that will fall on their game against Egypt on Friday.
Seattle have been preparing to mark the occasion since Lumen Field became one of the stadiums selected for games and the draw has led to it falling on this game.
Pride weekend falls on 26 June but after Egypt said in December that it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match,” Iran have now issued their own response.
IFF don’t want any “ceremonies or promotional activities” in support of the LGBTQ+
In a statement to The Athletic, a spokesperson for Iran’s Football Federation said they were taking the matter “seriously”.
They said: “Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflects the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries.
“Our position is that no ceremonies, or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels.
“We believe FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering matters related to the match environment and stadium presentation.
“FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environment.”
The world footballing governing body have reiterated that “rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity are permitted under the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Code of Conduct” and that the World Cup is an event for everyone.
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