Coach Egitto and Iran avoid the topic of Pride: "Respect, but we think about football"
The coaches of the two teams Egitto and Iran did not discuss the issue of Pride, focusing on the match, despite FIFA allowing the rainbow symbol in the stands.
(ANSA) - ROMA, 26 GIU - While FIFA allowed the rainbow symbol to appear in the stands of the match between Egitto and Iran taking place in Seattle, the coaches of the two teams chose to avoid this topic. Both football associations have publicly opposed the idea of turning the match into a "Pride Match". Egitto coach Hossam Hassan emphasized: "We respect everyone and are committed to the principles of fair play, but our first priority is still the match." As for his Iranian colleague Amir Ghalenoei, he said: "All our thoughts are on football, and we are actively focused on the match, not on what is happening around us." The upcoming match will decide whether both teams pass the group stage and enter the round of 16. However, the match attracted attention months ago, when organizers decided to dedicate the match on June 26 to an LGBT+ event during Pride weekend. Ironically, the teams drawn for this match come from two countries that are not very friendly to LGBT+ rights. In Iran, homosexual relations are banned and can be punished, even by death, while in Egitto there is a "morality" law prohibiting these acts.
Related Articles
Teams