FIFA to Allow Pride Flags at World Cup Match After Anti-LGBTQ+ Countries Iran and Egypt Requested a Ban

FIFA will permit rainbow pride flags at Friday's Iran–Egypt World Cup match in Seattle after both teams requested a ban, highlighting the organization's stated inclusivity rules. The move affirms that "FIFA rainbow flags" are allowed at venues, with "World Cup Seattle" and "Iran vs Egypt" central to the policy conversation, according to Reuters. Requests from Egypt's Football Association and the Iranian Football Federation to restrict LGBTQ+ displays at the locally billed "Pride Match" were not adopted. Both countries criminalize homosexuality, with Iran imposing penalties that can include death. FIFA said the Pride branding was organized locally, and President Gianni Infantino noted the match remains separate from city events, per The Guardian.

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