Egypt opposes Pride plans for World Cup match against Iran
The Egyptian Football Association announced on Tuesday that it had written to FIFA, requesting that the governing body forbid any LGBTQ+ Pride-related events during the national team’s World Cup match against Iran in Seattle in June of next year.
In the letter, the EFA makes the case that these kinds of activities would be in opposition to the cultural and religious values of the participating nations.
Local organizers have named the June 26 match a “Pride Match” in honor of Seattle’s Pride weekend.
LGBTQ+ persons face harsh penalties in Egypt and Iran, the two countries participating in the match.
The plans, which include LGBTQ+ festivities and art exhibits throughout Seattle and the stadium, were reportedly created prior to the tournament draw confirming the Group G match.
The EFA stated in a letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom that it “categorically rejects any activities promoting LGBTQ during the match,” cautioning that such events would “provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans.”
“These activities directly conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, particularly in Arab and Islamic societies,” the Economic and Financial Times stated.
“While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment that welcomes all fans, it is essential to avoid activities that could spark tension or misunderstanding between supporters from Egypt and Iran.”
“We call on FIFA to guarantee that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating nations.”
The EFA cited FIFA’s statutes, “particularly Article 4, which emphasizes neutrality in political and social matters during FIFA competitions,” and disciplinary rules that mandate tournaments refrain from “manifestations that could cause tension or conflict among fans” as the foundation for its stance.
While morality laws are frequently used to prosecute LGBTQ+ individuals in Egypt, same-sex relationships in Iran can result in the death penalty.
The local committee is in charge of the event, which has nothing to do with FIFA. An email requesting comment was not immediately answered by FIFA.
Teams like England and Wales decided not to use the “OneLove” armband at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after FIFA threatened to disqualify players who wore it in favor of LGBTQ+ rights.
