🔗 Share this article The City of Seattle's LGBTQ+ Pride Will Go Ahead for World Cup Despite Formal Protests by Iran and Egypt Plans for Pride-focused events and activities throughout the city during next summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament will continue unabated, even after Iranian and Egyptian football federations voiced strong concerns regarding a scheduled “Pride Match.” Venue Regulations and External Festivities Seattle's planning committee stated clearly they are “proceeding as planned” with celebratory programming in the city center. These events will take place around the Group G fixture between Egypt and Iran on 26 June. Additionally, the tournament's governing body has a policy allowing Pride flags to be brought into the match venue. “In our role as hosts, SeattleFWC26’s primary task is to get the city ready to host the matches and manage the fan activities outside of Seattle Stadium,” said a committee representative. Legal Background of Objections Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, and in Egypt, public decency statutes are often used to target and prosecute individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. The Egyptian federation stated it did not want to be linked to celebrations that “directly contradict the social, religious and cultural values … in Islamic and Arab societies.” In a parallel move, the head of Iran's soccer body also raised “objections against the issue.” The Governing Body's Position Regarding Flags and Banners The international federation holds full authority over match venues during games. While its rules forbid political signage with overtly political content, it permits flags expressing “sporting and social symbols,” which explicitly includes the rainbow flag. This regulation was in effect at the previous World Cup in Qatar and was reaffirmed following reports of flags being seized. The Pride Match was an idea created to showcase Seattle’s proud history of championing inclusion and equality. An artistic competition has been commissioned to create images celebrating the event. Organizers have pledged to ensuring every visitor are welcomed in the Pacific Northwest during the 48-team competition. The Pacific Northwest hosts one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian expatriate community, and diverse populations from every competing country. “We’re committed is to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect and dignity that defines our region,” the statement concluded.