Egypt and Iran have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is expected to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Leaders in the nation’s soccer federations publicly rebuked the idea of playing the match on June 26 at Seattle Stadium, which local organizers say will include a “once-in-a-lifetime moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington.”
Organizers in Seattle have promoted an art contest for the match, including one entry of a rainbow-flagged sun rising over Mount Rainier as a crab goalie goes for a soccer ball while holding a cup of coffee in its pinchers.
Photo: Imagn Images via Reuters
“With matches on Juneteenth and pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome,” Seattle Mayor-elect Kate Wilson wrote on social media. “What an incredible honor!”
A World Cup draw in Washington selected the teams and matches last week for the tournament’s first round, placing Iran and Egypt as the teams to compete in the game.
In Iran, where gays and lesbians can face the death penalty, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj criticized scheduling the match during an interview aired on state television late on Monday.
“Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point,” Mehdi Taj said.
State TV on Tuesday confirmed a complaint would be sent to FIFA.
The Egyptian Football Association said in a statement that it had sent a formal letter to FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, rejecting “in absolute terms” any activities linked to LGBTQ support during the match.
It said that such initiatives would clash with “the cultural, religious and social values” of Egypt and urged FIFA to ensure the match would solely focus on soccer.
Homosexuality is not expressly outlawed in Egypt, but is often punished under loosely worded laws prohibiting “debauchery.”
Seattle’s organizing committee on Tuesday said it was “moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament.”
“The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle,” spokeswoman Hana Tadesse said in a statement. “We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect and dignity that defines our region.”
Additional reporting by AFP
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