U.S. Official Insists on Holding Pride Events
WANA (Dec 27) – A member of Seattle’s advisory committee said the planned ceremonies surrounding an upcoming match will be held as scheduled and called on Iran and Egypt to respect the city’s traditions.
Eric Wahl, a member of the advisory committee for an event described as a “Pride match,” said he hopes FIFA will “do the right thing” by allowing the planned celebrations to proceed. He noted that four years ago, FIFA asked teams to respect the culture of the host nation, Qatar, adding that the celebrations are part of Seattle’s culture and should be respected by visiting teams.
“I know Egypt has submitted requests to FIFA, but those requests raise moral issues,” Wahl said. “In Qatar, we were told we had to respect their culture. I can’t predict what FIFA will do, but I hope it does the right thing. We haven’t heard anything from FIFA, which surprises me a bit, but generally FIFA’s approach is respectful silence, and that’s a good approach.”
US Media Criticize Seattle Committee for Labeling Iran–Egypt Match as “Pride Game”
WANA (Dec 10) – Several American outlets have criticized the Seattle Local Organizing Committee after it designated the Iran–Egypt World Cup match as a “Pride Game” in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. The move — described as provocative — drew objections even from conservative U.S. media such as OutKick and Newsweek, which called the […]
Wahl’s comments referred to the 2022 World Cup, when FIFA announced that players wearing armbands supporting LGBTQ rights would be shown a yellow card.
He added that Seattle residents’ plans—mostly focused on events around the city rather than inside the stadium during the match—remain on track. However, he said LGBTQ groups may also organize activities in the stands during the Iran–Egypt match.
“We don’t interfere with what happens inside the stadium,” Wahl said. “But having flags inside the stadium is a completely Seattle-style behavior. Everyone connected to the Egyptian and Iranian national teams is welcome at our parades and events. We’re confident they will see that welcome firsthand.”
The Iran–Egypt group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place just two days before the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, which is widely regarded as the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.
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WANA (Sep 17) – The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced today (Wednesday) a significant increase in financial rewards for football clubs that release their players to national teams during the 2026 World Cup. FIFA will distribute a record \$355 million in bonuses to clubs with national team players participating in the tournament. […]
Both Iran and Egypt have opposed the holding of these ceremonies before and during the match. The Egyptian Football Association said it sent an official letter to FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström, categorically rejecting any activities related to LGBTQ support during the game.
In a lengthy statement, the Egyptian Football Association argued that the initiative conflicts with the cultural, religious, and social values of both Egypt and Iran.
It called on FIFA to ensure the match remains focused solely on football, citing FIFA statutes on political and social neutrality and arguing that competitions should not be used to promote causes that are sensitive or controversial in nature.
Soccer Football – World Cup – Asian Qualifiers – Group A – Iran v North Korea – Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran – June 10, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
