Iran protests to FIFA over provocative armband plan at soccer match in US

Tehran - BORNA - The protest comes after reports that, in the Iran vs. Egypt soccer match scheduled for June 26, 2026 in Seattle, team captains need to wear the armbands. Both Iran and Egypt have rejected the decision as incompatible with their religious and cultural values.

In remarks on Wednesday, Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed that Tehran has formally protested the reported designation for the match between Iran’s Team Melli and Egypt national football team in Seattle.

“We make no concessions to anyone when it comes to our beliefs,” he stressed, emphasizing that Iran has also coordinated with Egypt to take joint action against such a provocative decision.

The Egyptian Football Association has also objected to the decision, increasing pressure on FIFA to take both cultural values and the organizers’ plans into account.

Iranian officials have stressed that FIFA must respect the values of every participating country, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will uphold its principles firmly while ensuring Team Melli competes with dignity and strength at the tournament.