The World Cup’s plans for a designated “Pride Match” will still go ahead despite both nations’ involved upholding anti-gay laws.
Egypt and Iran will face off in Seattle on June 26 in a match celebrating the LGBT community.
The themed fixture, which was planned before the draw was announced, would be the first of its kind at a Fifa World Cup.
Seattle’s local organising committee still plans for the celebration, which is slated for the Friday of Pride Weekend, to go ahead.
The anniversary of the Stonewall riots is on June 28, two days after the fixture.
Friday’s tournament draw allocated the slot in the city’s schedule to one of two Group G games.
When the full schedule was confirmed the next day, Seattle was given Egypt and Iran, two nations that have faced scrutiny for their LGBT human rights records.
Gay relationships are illegal in both countries.
The World Cup’s plans for a designated “Pride Match” will still go ahead
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GETTY
In Iran, same-sex relationships are punishable by the death penalty.
There is recent evidence of the enforcement of their respective laws in both nations, according to the Human Dignity Trust.
A Pride Match Advisory Committee (PMAC) was set up to “shape the communications, community activations, and cultural programming” for the festivities.
The host stadium, The Lumen Field, is set to host six World Cup matches, presenting an opportunity for organisers to reschedule plans.
Egypt and Iran will face off in Seattle on June 26 in a match celebrating the LGBT community
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GETTY
The US will face Australia on June 19, with the fixture already being designated to mark Juneteenth, a national holiday celebrated annually to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
The other possible game is Egypt or Qatar, which both also uphold anti-gay laws.
A round-of-32 game featuring the winner of Group G at Lumen Field on July 1, and a last-16 match on July 6 could be possible solutions, but these both fall outside of Pride month.
Despite the setbacks, organisers have confirmed the event will go ahead as planned.
Gay relationships are illegal in both countries
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GETTY
A spokesman for the PMAC said: “The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country, and it was planned well in advance.
“It is a Host City–led expression of Seattle and Washington State’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone belongs: players, fans, residents, and visitors alike.
“Soccer has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs. We are honoured to host a Pride Match and to celebrate Pride as part of a global football community.
“This match reflects our ongoing commitment to respect, dignity, and unity for all.”
