Seattle to hold Pride events outside Egypt-Iran World Cup match despite objections

Seattle World Cup organisers say Pride events will go ahead outside the Egypt-Iran match, reaffirming their plans despite objections from officials in both countries.

The decision underscores Seattle’s intention to highlight its Pride celebrations during the global tournament, even as concerns rise from nations where homosexuality remains criminalised.

Organisers confirmed that the June 26 fixture, labelled the Pride Match, will serve as a platform to showcase the city’s annual Pride Weekend and similar events across Washington state.

They emphasised that their work is limited to activities staged outside the 72,000-seat Seattle Stadium, where Egypt and Iran are due to compete.

Hana Tadesse, vice president of communications, said the committee would proceed with its community programming while noting that all in-stadium matters fall under FIFA’s authority.

Resistance from Iran and Egypt has drawn attention to a wider conflict between FIFA’s anti-discrimination policies and the organisation’s pledge to respect cultural sensitivities.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed it had written to FIFA urging the body to prevent LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities around the match, arguing the plans contradict the cultural and religious values of both teams.

Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj also criticised the Pride Match designation, describing it as an irrational initiative that supports a specific group. Both countries’ complaints highlight the delicate balance international football faces as it navigates global standards and competing national expectations.

Seattle’s tournament committee assigned the Pride Match title long before the draw paired Egypt with Iran, insisting the decision was part of its broader Pride programming for the city. FIFA has not commented on the objections raised by the two football associations.

In a message on its website, the Seattle committee described the World Cup as a rare opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington.

It noted the significant worldwide audience expected for the tournament and reaffirmed its goal of promoting local Pride events during one of the largest sporting showcases in the world.