How Iran and Egypt ended up being Seattle’s Pride Match for the World Cup

By SBS News

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Iranian and Egyptian fans mix among rainbow flags in Seattle during the Egypt v Iran showdown, AKA the city’s World Cup Pride Match.  Local Seattle World Cup committee planned the game as their Pride Match well before the teams playing in the city had been selected. Organisers stressed the Pride Match was not designed to antagonise the countries involved however the two nations that ended playing are two of the least LGBTIQ+ friendly nations in the world.  In Iran, same-sex relations can carry the death penalty. In Egypt, homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed but members of the LGBTQI+ community are often prosecuted for “debauchery”.  Both the Iranian and Egyptian football associations raised objections to the Pride Match however FIFA dismissed them, saying it’s a decision for the local organising committee. For more news visit: https://www.sbs.com.au/news SBS News is Australia's trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world. Subscribe to the SB

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