World Cup: Fifa ignores Iran and Egypt pleas by allowing rainbow flags at ‘Pride Match’

“If you tried to import a pride celebration into Egypt or Iran, obviously that could be a disaster,” he said. “But in a community like Seattle that prides itself on welcoming people from all over, I just can’t imagine that it’s going to be a significant problem.”

Katie Wilson, the Seattle mayor, said the city were prepared for some protests. “We are very much expecting and prepared for protest activity… which is why we have many designated protest zones in the stadium area, and our law enforcement is very prepared to deal with that.”

Seattle Pride, the non-profit that organises the city’s annual parade, is encouraging people to celebrate however they choose. Celebrations and marches are expected on the streets.

In a statement, it said the proximity of World Cup events would offer visitors to the city the opportunity “to experience Pride in Seattle and the values that define our community – visibility, resilience, and joy,”

Andrew Ashiofu, a member of the Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission, said the flag would be a “message” to Iran and Egypt that “we are a free city, we are a welcoming city who celebrates everyone, every race, every sexual orientation, every gender identity.”

Pedersen said he was confident LGBTQ+ groups and supporters would be able to safely celebrate their identity.

“I don’t know how many people are going to be watching from Iran and Egypt,” he said. “They’re probably going to be exposed to some images of happy LGBTQ people celebrating their holiday. And [that is] great from my perspective. That’s the whole point of pride.”

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has already been mired in controversy amid the conflict between the country and the US, the co-hosts.

Amir Ghalenoei, the Iran coach, has claimed his team are the “most oppressed” in the tournament.