The EFF also cited FIFA’s statutes, which say that the world governing body is to remain “neutral” in political and religious matters – but the same article also says that discrimination of any kind against a country, person or group of people is “strictly prohibited”, specifically mentioning sexual orientation.
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Meanwhile, the head of Iran’s federation Mehdi Taj was quoted by local news agency ISNA confirming both his nation and Egypt had raised “objections” against what he described as an “irrational move that supports a certain group”, without referring specifically to the match’s proposed branding.
The pride match is not the only one to be played at the World Cup in Seattle that will be themed. The United States will play the Socceroos at Lumen Field on June 19, with that game designated as a celebration of Juneteenth, a federal holiday on the same day commemorating the end of slavery.
Eric Wahl, the brother of the late American soccer journalist Grant Wahl, who passed away at the 2022 World Cup, is a member of Seattle’s Pride Match Advisory Committee, and said after the draw that it was a “good thing” that Egypt and Iran would play in it.