6Rang: The Iranian Football Federation Cannot Invoke “Beliefs” to Justify Exclusion

6Rang, the Iranian LGBT+ Network, strongly condemns the Iranian Football Federation’s opposition to LGBT+ inclusion initiatives surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle.

Responding to reports that players may be asked to wear rainbow armbands during Seattle’s designated Pride Match, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj declared: “We make no concessions to anyone when it comes to our beliefs.” Iranian and Egyptian football authorities have reportedly coordinated efforts to oppose Pride-related activities, arguing that they conflict with their religious and cultural values.

We reject this framing.

Human dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination are not matters of cultural preference. They are universal human rights. No government, federation, or institution should be allowed to invoke “beliefs” as a justification for excluding, stigmatizing, or erasing an entire group of people.

For decades, Iranian authorities have used the language of religion, culture, and morality to justify the criminalization and persecution of LGBT+ people. Under Iranian law, consensual same-sex relations remain criminalized, and LGBT+ people continue to face violence, harassment, arbitrary detention, forced confessions, and severe discrimination. These realities are not abstract debates about values; they are lived experiences for countless people in Iran.

The issue before FIFA is not whether every player personally supports LGBT+ rights. The issue is whether football, as a global sport, will stand for the equal dignity and humanity of all people.

We therefore call on FIFA to remain steadfast in its commitment to inclusion, non-discrimination, and human rights. FIFA must not allow governments or football federations to use claims of religious or cultural sensitivity to undermine the fundamental principles of equality that the organization has pledged to uphold.

We also call on players, teams, supporters, and football associations around the world to recognize what is at stake. When officials claim that respecting LGBT+ people violates their beliefs, the message received by LGBT+ individuals in countries such as Iran and Egypt is that they are unworthy of recognition, protection, and belonging.

The Seattle Pride Match is not a challenge to anyone’s faith. It is an affirmation that LGBT+ people exist, belong, and deserve the same rights and dignity as everyone else.

To the Iranian Football Federation, we say this clearly: beliefs do not grant a license to discriminate.

To FIFA and the global football community, we say: do not look away. Stand with those whose voices are silenced, whose identities are criminalized, and whose humanity is too often denied.

Football belongs to everyone.