FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags at World Cup Match Between Egypt and Iran

Referee Alireza Faghani from Iran holds a rainbow flag during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA says supporters can display rainbow flags at the Egypt vs Iran match in the World Cup.

The match in Seattle is called the 'Pride Match' by the city's organizing committee and starts at 4am UK time on June 27.

The match was chosen as the 'Pride Match' before the teams were picked, and it pairs two countries where being gay is against the law.

Egypt and Iran strongly disagree with this decision.

FIFA says rainbow flags are allowed in the stadium when Egypt plays Iran.

Egypt's Football Association says this goes against their cultural and religious values, and Iran's Football Federation does not want any promotional activities for the LGBTQ+ movement in the stadium.

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Asexual Association watches laws about homosexuality around the world.

The ILGA says that in Iran, the death penalty is the punishment for same-sex acts, as reported by the BBC in 2023.

FIFA said the World Cup is for everyone, and fans of all backgrounds are welcome. The event welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

FIFA allows rainbow flags and other symbols of sexual orientation and gender identity in stadiums according to its code of conduct.

However, FIFA notes that the pride events are organized by Seattle's committee, not by FIFA itself.

Egypt's Football Association argues that such events conflict with their cultural and religious values.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said there will be no 'Pride Match' at the World Cup, just a regular match and separate events in the city.

He said the events in the city are organized by external groups and have nothing to do with the match.

But that does not involve the match itself.

FIFA's decision to allow rainbow flags comes four years after it stopped captains from wearing the 'OneLove' armband at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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