Egypt’s Football Association said on Tuesday it had sent a letter to FIFA urging the governing body to prevent any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during the national team’s World Cup match against Iran in Seattle next June.
The EFA states in the letter that such events would conflict with the cultural and religious values of the countries participating in the competition.
The June 26 match has been labeled a «Pride Match» by local organizers, coinciding with Seattle’s Pride weekend.
The two countries involved in the competition – Egypt and Iran – impose harsh penalties on LGBTQ+ people.
According to reports, the plans, which include LGBTQ+ celebrations and artwork at the stadium and in Seattle, were drawn up before the tournament’s draw confirmed the Group G match.
In its letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, the EFA said it “categorically rejects any activities that promote LGBTQ during the match,” warning that such events “could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities among fans.”
“These activities are in direct conflict with the cultural, religious and social values of the region, especially in Arab and Muslim societies,” the EFA wrote.
“While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful environment in which all fans are welcome, it is essential to avoid activities that could cause tension or misunderstandings between supporters from Egypt and Iran.”
“We call on FIFA to ensure that the match takes place in an atmosphere focused solely on sport and free from displays that contradict the beliefs of the participating countries.”
The EFA said its position was based on FIFA’s statutes, «in particular Article 4, which emphasizes neutrality in political and social matters during FIFA competitions,» and on disciplinary rules that require tournaments to remain free of «manifestations likely to cause tension or conflict among fans.»
In Iran, same-sex relationships can be punishable by death, while in Egypt, moral laws are often used to prosecute LGBTQ+ people.
The event is organized by the local committee and is not affiliated with FIFA. FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA threatened yellow cards for players wearing the ‘OneLove’ armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights, prompting teams including England and Wales to abandon plans to use it.
Published on December 10, 2025
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