The Iran Football Federation has urged FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+-related ceremonies, promotional activities, symbols or representations from being displayed inside Lumen Field during the June 26 match against Egypt.
According to reports, Egypt's football federation also has backed the request, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Athletic.
FIFA, however, confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted at all World Cup matches and stressed that the tournament is intended to be an inclusive event.
In comments to The Athletic, a spokesperson for the Iranian national team said the federation had formally conveyed its concerns to FIFA.
"The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran takes this matter seriously and has clearly communicated its position to FIFA."
The spokesperson added that Iran and Egypt share common religious and cultural values.
"Iran and Egypt are two Muslim countries with deep cultural and religious commonalities, and the views expressed by both federations reflects the values and beliefs shared by the people of both countries."
The federation said it opposes any activities linked to the LGBTQ+ movement within the official match setting.
"Our position is that no ceremonies, or promotional activities associated with this movement should be present inside the stadium or as part of the match environment. This position has been communicated to FIFA through the appropriate channels."
The statement further called on FIFA to consider the concerns of participating teams.
The federation said both countries had informed FIFA of their shared position and expected action.
"FIFA has been informed of this shared position by both countries and is expected to take the necessary steps to ensure that no related ceremonies or promotional activities take place within the stadium or as part of the official match environment."
FIFA said rainbow flags and other symbols representing sexual orientation and gender identity are allowed under the tournament's stadium code of conduct.
The controversy stems from plans by Seattle's local World Cup host committee, which designated the fixture as a Pride Match before the tournament draw.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously sought to distance the governing body from the branding, saying there would be no official Pride Match at the World Cup and that any related events would be organised independently of FIFA.
While no in-stadium Pride programming has been announced, Seattle organisers are planning activities outside the venue as part of Pride celebrations taking place in the city.
By Bakhtiyar Abbasov
