FIFA’s decision: “Football has the unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs.” But the Asians snap
The long awaited World American has not yet begun, but the first furious controversies are already mounting. The last one is the one that the FIFA triggered, choosing the match between Iran and Egypt as the “LGBTQ+ Pride Match”. The match, valid for group D, will be played at Seattle on June 26. That week the US city will host the Pride Weekthe heartfelt event useful for celebrating and promoting freedom of sexual orientation.
Hence the decision of the highest football body, which however was poorly digested by the two nations involved. Iran and Egypt are in fact strongly against homosexuality and its manifestation. The Asian Federation, already at loggerheads with FIFA and the USAintends to formally contest the choice. “We oppose it, it is a totally irrational move in favor of a single specific group. Both we and Egypt are not in favor“, declared Federal President of Iran, Mehdi Taj.
Iran and Egypt against the “Pride Match”, FIFA defends itself
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The Islamic Republic, as is known, in fact believes i Same-sex relationships strictly prohibited from the Sharia (the “sacred law”). In the country, anyone who contravenes this risks being punished with death penalty. In Egypt, homosexuality is not criminalized, but it exists vague “moral laws” aimed at repressing LGBTQ+ communities. In any case, at the moment the Egyptian Football Federation has not sent any official protests regarding the “Seattle case”.
FIFA’s Gianni Infantinothrough one of his spokespersons, is trying to defend his legitimate decision, which aims to use football as a bearer of an inclusive message: “The Pride Match was planned to celebrate Pride Week events in Seattle and Washington State. The initiative aims to underline thecommitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone: players, fans, residents and visitors. Football has the unique power to unite people across borders, cultures and beliefs“.
This controversy brings to mind those, linked to the same theme, which occurred at the time of 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Emirati country threatened with sanctions all those players who wore the bracelet “OneLove” to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ people. And FIFA then followed suit by promising a possible warning on the pitch to all possible “transgressors”.
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