FIFA allows LGBT pride flags at Egypt-Iran match despite ban on ‘political’ items

FIFA announced that fans may bring pride flags to the World Cup match in Seattle between Iran and Egypt. This decision follows objections from both countries and contradicts the soccer organization's existing ban on political items. Soccer federations from both Muslim-majority nations had previously requested that tournament organizers disallow any symbols of support for the queer community during the Friday match-up, which had already caused tension since the tournament draw in December.