FIFA obliged Iran and Egypt to hold an LGBT match. What will happen there?

Stadium in Seattle, where the game will be held on June 27 (Saturday). Kick-off at 6 AM Minsk time. Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images

Even before the draw, the Seattle organizing committee announced that the tournament match scheduled for June 26 (morning of June 27 in Europe) would be dedicated to LGBT. At that moment, the participants of the game were unknown.

After the draw, it became clear: Iran and Egypt will meet in Seattle on this day in the third round of Group G. Several other World Cup games are scheduled in Seattle: Belgium — Egypt (June 15), USA — Australia (June 19), Bosnia and Herzegovina — Qatar (June 24), and two playoff matches (July 1 and 6).

Egypt and Iran called on FIFA to intervene in the holding of events as part of LGBTQ+ Pride. A letter from the Egyptian Football Association states that such events contradict the cultural and religious values of the participating countries.

Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, stated that Tehran and Cairo expressed "objections on this matter." In his opinion, this is an "irrational step that supports a specific group."

According to The Guardian, FIFA rejected the request of both federations, believing that the format of the match would adhere to the idea of inclusivity and respect and could not be changed to meet the demands of individual countries.

Therefore, before the game, there will be thematic symbols, fans will be allowed to bring rainbow flags, and captains will wear mandatory armbands.

Homosexual relations are forbidden in Egypt. In Iran, the maximum penalty for homosexual relations is the death penalty.

LGBT flags will be at the stadium, although Iran demanded they be omitted.

Eric Wall, a member of the "Seattle Pride Match" advisory committee, explained that these celebrations are part of Seattle's culture, so they should be respected by visiting teams.

"I know Egypt is petitioning FIFA, but this raises ethical questions," Wall noted. "In Qatar, they said we should respect the culture."

Wall reminded that at the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards to players wearing the OneLove armband in support of LGBT rights – because of this, the English and Welsh did not wear them. In Qatar, same-sex relations are not legalized, and marriages are prohibited.

Wall stated that events will take place throughout the city, not just at the match. "We have nothing to do with what happens inside the stadium, but having Pride flags in the stadium is typical for Seattle," the advisory committee member added. According to him, preparations for the events began in late 2024. "There was never any strategic intent to harm anyone or make FIFA feel a certain way," Wall assured.

There will be many posters in the city, and a historical route dedicated to LGBT will also be organized. Plans include art exhibitions, celebrations around the stadium, and throughout the city.

And Iran gave FIFA a list of ten conditions for participating in the World Cup. Among the key demands was a strict ban on displaying unofficial or unaccepted flags, especially LGBT flags, at the stadium.

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