Egypt protests FIFA over plans for LGBTQ+ Pride during World Cup match against Iran

On December 9, Egypt’s Football Association contacted FIFA to request the prohibition of any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the national team’s World Cup match against Iran in Seattle next June. The EFA emphasizes that such events would go against the cultural and religious values of the nations participating in the game. The fixture on June 26 has been labeled as a ‘Pride Match’ in sync with Seattle’s Pride weekend. Both Egypt and Iran, the nations playing in the match, enforce strict penalties on LGBTQ+ individuals. The planned LGBTQ+ celebrations and artwork displays in Seattle were arranged before the Group G fixture was confirmed by the tournament draw. In a letter to FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, the EFA expresses its firm opposition to any LGBTQ+ promotion during the match, warning that such activities could offend the cultural and religious sensitivities of fans. The EFA argues that the LGBTQ+ activities contradict the cultural, religious, and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies.