Egypt and Iran complained to FIFA this week after they were chosen to participate in an LGBT Pride match in Seattle during next summer’s World Cup.
The soccer game’s theme had already been chosen by Seattle’s organizing committee before FIFA officials drew Egypt and Iran as the designated teams on Friday.
Representatives from the two nations, which have long persecuted gay people, are urging the Federation Internationale de Football Association to step in.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Egypt’s soccer federation said it would be “categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match.”
The LGBT-friendly theming was not decided by soccer’s governing body, though. A local nonprofit, Seattle PrideFest, has organized similar events since 2007.
City officials have indicated whether they would change their plans for the June 26 game. The event is slated to feature plenty of rainbow flags, an art contest and a festival outside Lumen Field, which will host the match.
The Seattle organizing committee said Wednesday that it would be “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,” spokesperson 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.”
But officials from Egypt have said FIFA is failing the two nations.
“While FIFA is committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all fans, and in order to maintain the spirit of unity and peace, it is necessary to avoid including activities that could provoke cultural and religious sensitivities between fans present from both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially since such activities are culturally and religiously incompatible with the two countries,” the Egyptian Football Association said in a statement.
Egypt does not have legislation outlawing homosexuality, though LGBT individuals have been charged under morality and public decency laws.
The EFA went on to demand “that FIFA not hold any events or performances related to supporting homosexuality inside the stadium on matchday.”
Similar sentiments arrived from Iran, where homosexual activity is punishable by death.
Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s football federation, reportedly told local outlet ISNA that the participating nations raised “objections against the issue.” He further noted that the planned festivities are “an irrational move that supports a certain group.”
Egypt and Iran are in Group G alongside New Zealand and Belgium, which play each other on June 26 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
FIFA officials could switch the matches, with Egypt and Iran playing in Vancouver, while Belgium and New Zealand, which have more progressive attitudes regarding homosexuality, play in Seattle during the Pride event.
FIFA has not publicly responded to any requests for comment.
The U.S., Canada and Mexico will host next year’s World Cup, which features an expanded field of 48 teams. The event begins with a matchup between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
The final will be held July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
