Table of Contents
- Potential Match Relocation
- Organizers' Statement
- Reactions from Federations
- Fan Reactions
- Pride Events in Seattle
FIFA officials may need to relocate the World Cup group stage match between Egypt and Iran due to objections from both countries regarding a Pride event.
Prior to the draw last week, a local organizing committee in Seattle decided to take action since the match is scheduled just before Pride weekend.
The World Cup match between Egypt and Iran may be relocated from Lumen FieldCredit: Getty
Seattle organizers intend to make it a Pride matchCredit: Getty
However, the match on that day will feature Egypt against Iran, where homosexuality is prohibited.
Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, criticized the decision, stating: “Both Egypt and we have raised our objections, as this is an unreasonable and illogical action that essentially shows support for a specific group, and we must certainly address this issue.”
Meanwhile, the Egyptian FA has formally communicated to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting any events associated with LGBTQ+ support during the match.
Despite these objections, Seattle organizers have confirmed they are “proceeding as planned” with Pride activities in the city.
However, journalist Kaveh Solekhol believes there is a possibility that another match between different teams could be scheduled to replace it.
Speaking on Sky Sports this week, he remarked: “They may be working behind the scenes to have this game moved to Vancouver.”
“There is another match – New Zealand vs Belgium in the same group – so one game could take place in Seattle, and the other could be in Vancouver.”
“If FIFA wished, they could rearrange the matches.”
“But just because the federations of Egypt and Iran are dissatisfied with something, it does not necessarily mean they represent the opinions of the fans who will attend those games.”
“Let’s wait and see how those fans respond to that game occurring during Pride celebrations.”
“You might be surprised to find that many of those fans would gladly participate in those celebrations.”
“And while some may not agree with the statements made by their football federations, many others might.”
Discussing the Pride events planned for the end of June next year, Hana Tedesse, the vice president of communications for Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026, stated: “As the local organizing committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city for hosting the matches and managing the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium.”
“SeattleFWC26 is moving ahead as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, collaborating with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to enhance existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”
If the match between Egypt and Iran is relocated to Vancouver, it would occur at BC Place.
FIFA will determine if this happens.
Trump previously from Seattle, Boston, and San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the match between Egypt and Iran definitely be moved?
It is not confirmed yet. FIFA officials are evaluating the situation and may consider relocating the match based on the objections raised by both countries.
What are the Pride events planned in Seattle?
Seattle organizers are planning various Pride activities during the weekend of the World Cup matches, collaborating with LGBTQ+ leaders and artists to enhance the celebrations.
How have the federations of Egypt and Iran reacted to the Pride event?
Both federations have expressed their objections to the Pride event, stating that it is an unreasonable move that shows support for a particular group.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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