The tabloid said officials may be forced to relocate the 26 June fixture from Seattle after Egypt and Iran rejected a local organizing committee’s decision to dedicate the Lumen Field match to the LGBTQ+ community ahead of Pride weekend.
The move triggered complaints from both the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), which said they opposed any activities promoting LGBTQ+ rights during the game.
According to the report, FIFA is considering switching the Group G schedule so that Belgium v New Zealand, the group’s other match, is played in Seattle instead, with Egypt v Iran moved to Vancouver.
“There is a possibility, if FIFA wanted, they could switch the games around,” Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol said.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously suggested the organization could reassign matches if required by host-city authorities.
“Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide,” a FIFA spokesperson told SunSport.
“These are the responsibility of governments, which decide what is in the best interest of public safety. We hope all 16 host cities will meet the requirements,” he added.
Egypt will open their World Cup campaign against Belgium on 15 June. Group G also includes Iran and New Zealand.
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