Key Facts

• Iran and Egypt played a World Cup match in Seattle on June 26 during the city’s annual Pride celebration.
• Iran’s captain Mehdi Taremi spoke positively about respecting LGBT people after the game ended 1-1.
• Iran and Egypt are countries where same-sex relationships are illegal and often punished.
• Both countries asked FIFA to cancel any Pride celebrations linked to the match.
• FIFA said the local Pride events were separate from the official match and would not be part of the World Cup program.
• Some fans still showed support for LGBT rights by waving rainbow flags and wearing Pride-themed items at the stadium.
• Iran’s soccer federation communicated with FIFA to ensure no Pride ceremonies would take place inside the stadium.
• FIFA’s president clarified there would be no official Pride Match and that outside events were not related to the game.