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Fifa Confirms Rainbow Flags to Be Allowed at Egypt v Iran World Cup ‘Pride Match’
LGBTQ+ festivities organised around match in Seattle
TL;DR
- Iran and Egypt questioned their involvement in a 'Pride Match' celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle.
- Fifa confirmed rainbow flags will be permitted inside the stadium during the match.
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated that the Pride events are organized by external groups and are separate from the World Cup match.
- Both Iran and Egypt had complained to Fifa about the LGBTQ+ events planned around the game.
- Iran's head coach stated his team's focus is solely on football and not on issues banned in their league.
- Egypt's head coach echoed the sentiment, emphasizing focus on the game and respecting Fifa's guidelines.
- Iran had previously complained about feeling 'oppressed' and suggested the US administration imposed restrictions.
- A Fifa spokesperson confirmed that statements of human rights, including rainbow flags, are permitted under the stadium code of conduct.