Plans for the Seattle game to be a ‘Pride Match’ were put in place before it was identified as the venue for Egypt v Iran. This only happened after the World Cup draw
The World Cup has already scored an own goal after the tournament draw threw up a gay ‘Pride’ match between two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The local organising committee in US host venue Seattle decided the game played at the city’s Lumen Field on June 26 will be ‘Pride Match’ featuring a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The plans were put in place before Friday’s World Cup draw was made – which meant no-one knew which two nations would be playing.
Following the draw officials confirmed that the match will be the Group G clash between Egypt and Iran.
In Iran the maximum punishment for homosexuality is the death penalty. While in Egypt morality laws are frequently used to suppress gay rights and relationships.
The match – which has been organised by the local committee and is not affiliated with tournament organisers FIFA – will take place on the Friday of Seattle’s official Pride weekend.
Artists have been invited to submit artwork celebrating LGBTQ+ folk to be displayed around the game and city. The Seattle Pride Match Advisory Committee, set up to run the event, has insisted the match go ahead as planned.
A spokesman said: “The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country and it was planned well in advance. Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs.
“We are honoured to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community. This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”
It is not the first time a gesture of LGBTQ+ support at the World Cup has run into trouble. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – which also has laws against same-sex relationships – FIFA said players who wore OneLove armbands in support of LGBTQ+ would get yellow cards.
England and Wales were among teams who had planned to wear the band but backed down following FIFA’s ruling. FIFA had not responded to a request for comment.