Iran and Egypt have complained to FIFA after Seattle designated their World Cup game as a Pride Match. The fixture, between two countries in which homosexuality is outlawed, is meant to honour the LGBTQ+ community in the liberal city, and the clash was confirmed before it was known which sides would be involved. The match is due to take place on June 26. However, the federations of each Muslim country have now contacted FIFA to express their opposition, in what is a growing diplomatic incident more than six months out from the tournament kick-off. Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj condemned the move as unreasonable conduct that supports a specific group in an interview with state television, adding that both Tehran and Cairo have communicated their objections to FIFA. In Egypts case, the countrys football association sent an official letter to FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrm saying it completely rejects any initiatives related to supporting homosexuality during the fixture, which it says are directly contrary to cultural, religious and social values in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies. They added: The Egyptian Federation categorically rejects those invitations and calls on FIFA not to hold any events or offers related to homosexual support events inside the stadium on the day of the match. Iran has taken a similar stance, claiming that the move is a violation of FIFA rules, which prohibit political, religious, or ideological messaging inside stadiums..com">Linda Ikeji Blog.
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