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Iran's World Cup match against Egypt Friday, June 26 will coincide with Seattle Pride Weekend, and a day before the opened its press conference in Seattle with a statement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation has asked us to inform the media that they are only willing to answer questions in relation to the game,'' a man said. "We fully respect the right of all journalists to ask questions. In this case, we ask you respect the rights of the Federation here today to only answer questions in relation to the team, the tactics, the match, and so on. Thank you.’’
Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup began this month, officials from both Iran and Egypt voiced strong objection to activities in Seattle that will celebrate the LGBTQ community. But FIFA said it will allow rainbow flags in Lumen Field, where Iran and Egypt will play in front of what could be a boisterous atmosphere.
After the opening statement, the game began – primarily between Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, and journalists who disregarded the opening statement.
During the press conference, Ghalenoei spoke in Farsi and his answers were translated into English. A reporter asked the coach if he’s comfortable with this match being a focus for Pride celebrations.
"All our focus is going to be focused on football, on the beautiful game of football, on our people, on success,'' Ghalenoei said. "We are going to be positive. We are not going to think about any other issues.''
He successfully deflected a similar question two other times. Then a reporter asked Ghalenoei if he was comfortable with the match being the focus of Pride celebrations.
“Our entire focus is going to be on tomorrow's game, on succeeding in tomorrow's game and anything else that is banned in our league, we don't want to speak about it," the coach replied. “We are only going to speak about football, what a beautiful game it is, and how enjoyable it's going to be."
Iran's head coach seemed to be drawing a distinction about what is banned inside Iran's soccer stadiums, and what is allowed in stadiums in the United States. The celebrations in Seattle won't be confined to the stadium with a seating capacity of about 69,000.
The game between Iran and Egypt was deemed te “Pride Match," which will kick off Seattle Pride Weekend.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup tension leaves Iran coach answering about Seattle Pride
Continue reading...
“The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation has asked us to inform the media that they are only willing to answer questions in relation to the game,'' a man said. "We fully respect the right of all journalists to ask questions. In this case, we ask you respect the rights of the Federation here today to only answer questions in relation to the team, the tactics, the match, and so on. Thank you.’’
Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup began this month, officials from both Iran and Egypt voiced strong objection to activities in Seattle that will celebrate the LGBTQ community. But FIFA said it will allow rainbow flags in Lumen Field, where Iran and Egypt will play in front of what could be a boisterous atmosphere.
After the opening statement, the game began – primarily between Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, and journalists who disregarded the opening statement.
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During the press conference, Ghalenoei spoke in Farsi and his answers were translated into English. A reporter asked the coach if he’s comfortable with this match being a focus for Pride celebrations.
"All our focus is going to be focused on football, on the beautiful game of football, on our people, on success,'' Ghalenoei said. "We are going to be positive. We are not going to think about any other issues.''
He successfully deflected a similar question two other times. Then a reporter asked Ghalenoei if he was comfortable with the match being the focus of Pride celebrations.
“Our entire focus is going to be on tomorrow's game, on succeeding in tomorrow's game and anything else that is banned in our league, we don't want to speak about it," the coach replied. “We are only going to speak about football, what a beautiful game it is, and how enjoyable it's going to be."
Iran's head coach seemed to be drawing a distinction about what is banned inside Iran's soccer stadiums, and what is allowed in stadiums in the United States. The celebrations in Seattle won't be confined to the stadium with a seating capacity of about 69,000.
The game between Iran and Egypt was deemed te “Pride Match," which will kick off Seattle Pride Weekend.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Cup tension leaves Iran coach answering about Seattle Pride
Continue reading...
