Iran and Egypt want to talk tactics, but Seattle is talking pride

SEATTLE, June 26 — Fifa has reiterated that LGBTQ rainbow flags will be allowed inside Seattle’s Lumen Field on Friday when the stadium hosts Iran and Egypt’s World Cup G game, despite objections from both nation’s football federations.

Friday’s game is part of city-wide events to celebrate Pride in Seattle, and was designated as the “Pride Match” by local officials before the identities of the teams involved was known.

Iranian and Egyptian officials have both raised objections to the Seattle Pride celebrations around their fixture.

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran under Islamic law and can be punishable by death. In Egypt, homosexuality is often penalized under vaguely worded laws prohibiting “debauchery.”

Fifa said in a statement on Thursday that the LGBTQ rainbow flag would be allowed inside the stadium.

“The Fifa World Cup 2026 is an inclusive event,” a spokesperson said. “Fans of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome.

“Messages supporting human rights – such as rainbow flags and other symbols representing gender identity – are permitted inside stadiums under Fifa’s code of conduct.”

Fifa, which manages in-stadium events, noted that the “Pride match” was an initiative of the local organizers, with formal celebrations taking place outside the venue.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, the coaches of Iran and Egypt sidestepped the issue.

“All our thoughts are going to be focused on football, on the beautiful game of football on our people, on success,” Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said.

“We are going to be positive. We are not going to think about any other issues...all our focus is going to be on the pitch.

“We are not going to think about what is going on off the pitch.”

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expressed identical sentiments.

“As a head coach, as technical director, we are all focused on football. This is all what we think about,” he said.

“We are concerned with football on the pitch. We respect, once again, respect and fair play as rules to be, for everyone to abide by.” — AFP