SOCCER: FIFA gives green light for rainbow flags at Egypt vs. Iran World Cup clash

SEATTLE — Fans attending Friday's FIFA World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle will be allowed to bring rainbow flags into the stadium, FIFA said Thursday, reaffirming that the tournament is an inclusive event despite objections from the two participating countries.

The Group G match has been designated as Seattle's "Pride Match" because it falls during the city's annual Pride weekend. The designation was made by Seattle's local organizing committee before the World Cup draw placed Egypt and Iran—both Muslim-majority countries where homosexuality is criminalized—in the fixture.

Following the draw, both countries raised concerns over the Pride-themed events. Egypt's Football Association said the celebrations conflict with the country's cultural and religious values. Meanwhile, The Athletic reported that the Iranian Football Federation opposed any ceremonies or promotional activities related to the Pride movement inside the stadium.

In a statement released Thursday, FIFA said rainbow flags and other symbols representing sexual orientation and gender identity are permitted inside World Cup venues.

"The FIFA World Cup is an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds," the governing body said. "General statements of human rights, including rainbow flags and other flags representing sexual orientation and gender identity, are permitted and may be displayed inside stadiums."

FIFA also clarified that the Pride celebrations are organized by Seattle's local World Cup committee and are not part of the governing body's official tournament activities.

Earlier this year, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the events taking place in Seattle during Pride weekend are separate from the World Cup match itself.

Patti Hearn, executive director of Seattle Pride, welcomed FIFA's decision, describing the rainbow flag as "a human rights flag."

"The rainbow flag, or any Pride flag, is simply a symbol of inclusivity, community, and love," Hearn told Reuters. "It is not offensive."

She acknowledged that Egypt and Iran do not embrace Pride celebrations but said LGBTQ+ people exist in every country.

"If we can provide an opportunity for the world to experience what it feels like to be in a welcoming and inclusive place, I think that's something positive," she said.

Bookda Gheisar, diversity, equity, and inclusion director at the Port of Seattle and an Iranian-American lesbian, said the situation reflects the challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ people with ties to countries where homosexuality is criminalized.

She said the contradiction of hosting Egypt and Iran during Pride weekend mirrors struggles she has experienced throughout her life and noted that many others share similar experiences.

Seattle organizers said the city's annual Pride celebrations have been held for more than 50 years and will continue long after the World Cup concludes.

"The Pride celebration has taken place on this weekend for more than 50 years," Hedda McLendon of Seattle's local World Cup organizing committee told Reuters earlier this week. "It will happen this weekend, and it will continue long after the World Cup." -Reporting by Sam Tobin in Seattle and Rohith Nair in Miami; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien/Reuters