Iran requests FIFA to scrap LGBT event ahead of its 2026 World Cup match against Egypt

FIFA World Cup 2026Iran requests FIFA to scrap LGBT event ahead of its 2026 World Cup match against Egypt FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environmentWASHINGTON, June 25. /TASS/. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has lodged an official protest with the world’s governing body of football, FIFA, requesting it to scrap a previously scheduled LGBT (the LGBT movement is recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) event ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage closing match against Egypt on June 26, The Athletic news outlet reported. "Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflects the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries," The Athletic quoted a source in the FFIRI as saying in a statement. "Our position is that no ceremonies, or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels," the statement continued. "We believe FIFA should take into account the views and concerns of the participating teams when considering matters related to the match environment and stadium presentation," according to the FFIRI statement. "FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environment," the statement added. The so-called ‘Pride Match’ event ahead of the June 26 group stage game of the 2026 World Cup in the US city of Seattle had been scheduled even before the championship’s Main Draw. It turned out later that this match would be played between Egypt and Iran. Football federations representing both countries had already submitted their letters of protest, which, according to the UK-based The Guardian, were later turned down by FIFA. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States between June 11 and July 19. The matches are staged in 16 cities across the three countries. This is be the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32-team format. 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