Iran asks FIFA to ban Pride flags at its World Cup matches
A Pride flag at a football stadium (Stock image via Getty Images)
Iran’s football federation has shared a list of conditions with FIFA surrounding the country’s participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, including a ban on LGBTQ+ pride flags.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) told FIFA that it would compete in the competition “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions” and insisted that the hosts “must take our concerns into account”, as per Out Sports.
The list of 10 demands for Iran’s participation comes after the FFIRI’s president, Mehdi Taj, was denied entry to Canada before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April.
One of the demands made by the FFIRI was that only officially recognised flags should be displayed while Iran is playing, including those being carried by fans in the stadium. That would mean that LGBTQ+ Pride flags would be banned from the matches.
The already controversial request is proving to be even more complicated, considering that Iran is scheduled to play against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle in a game that has been designated the “Pride Match” by Seattle’s organising committee.
The match’s theme was announced in December to much outcry, considering homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran. Egypt does not technically have a specific law against same-sex activity, but it is instead illegal under morality laws with punishment up to 17 years with hard labour, fines and deportation.
Iran and Egypt both objected to taking part in the ‘Pride Match’ at the time, with Taj calling it an “irrational move that supports a certain group,” according to The Straits Times.
Other conditions presented to FIFA from the FFIRI include a guarantee that all of the players, coaches and officials travelling with the Iranian team will receive visas, including those who have previously served in the military with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The IRGC is currently listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US, with Taj saying that his links to it were the reason why he was denied entry to Canada.
The FFRIR has also asked for enhanced security at stadiums, airports and hotels throughout the tournament, as well as ensured respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem.
FIFA will be able to ensure some of the demands, but others – such as the request for visas and security vetting – will fall under the remit of the government.
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