{"id":831,"date":"2026-06-26T15:42:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T15:42:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aluremart.com\/?p=831"},"modified":"2026-06-26T15:42:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T15:42:57","slug":"iran-egypt-outraged-over-pride-match-designation-for-world-cup-faceoff-urge-fifa-to-scrap-lgbtq-affiliations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aluremart.com\/?p=831","title":{"rendered":"Iran, Egypt outraged over \u2018Pride Match\u2019 designation for World Cup faceoff \u2014 urge FIFA to scrap LGBTQ+ affiliations"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Iranian and Egyptian soccer federations have urged FIFA to strip any \u201cPride Match\u201d displays and rainbow symbols from Friday\u2019s World Cup match in Seattle.<\/p>\n

The contest, slated for June 26 at Lumen Field, is scheduled during the city\u2019s Pride weekend and has been referred to as the \u201cPride Match.\u201d<\/p>\n

While FIFA confirmed to the\u00a0New York Times<\/a>\u00a0that rainbow flags remain permitted at all World Cup matches this summer, its president, Gianni Infantino, has previously distanced the governing body from the event\u2019s promotional themes.<\/p>\n

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Pride flags have become a point of contention between FIFA and the Egyptian and Iranian football federations.Action Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

He insisted there would be no official \u201cPride Match\u201d at the tournament in an interview with the Swiss newspaper Weltwoche, and added that any events taking place in Seattle \u201chas nothing to do with the match itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Iranian federation warned that it \u201ctakes this matter seriously and has clearly communicated its position\u201d to FIFA.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d the Iranians said in a statement.<\/p>\n