16
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has formally protested the decision by Seattle’s local organising committee to label the 26 June 2026 fixture between Egypt national football team and Iran national football team as a “Pride Match.”
- In a letter to FIFA, the EFA argued that any LGBTQ+-themed celebrations or displays during the match would conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the participating nations.
- The EFA also invoked FIFA’s own rules — notably Article 4, which requires neutrality in political and social matters — asking that the game remain “free from displays that contradict” the beliefs of the Egyptian and Iranian communities.
Iran also objects to Pride branding
- The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) echoed Egypt’s objections. Its president described the “Pride Match” designation as “irrational,” claiming it unfairly supports a specific social group.
- According to Iranian media, Tehran plans to formally appeal to FIFA against the branding, arguing that linking the World Cup match to LGBTQ+ advocacy violates the principles of neutrality expected in the tournament.
Why the backlash — and what’s at stake
- The match is scheduled to coincide with Seattle’s Pride Weekend — a period the local organisers intended to use to celebrate inclusion and diversity. However, homosexuality is criminalized in Iran, and LGBTQ+ activities are socially and legally frowned upon in both Iran and Egypt.
- Both federations contend that hosting the match under a Pride banner risks politically and culturally sensitive backlash, both from fans and from within their own nations.
- The controversy raises broader questions about whether major global tournaments — especially when hosted in socially liberal cities — should be used to promote social or political causes, particularly when participating nations have conflicting values.
