Iran refuse to answer questions about 'Pride Match' in Seattle ahead of crucial Egypt tie

Before the pre-match press conference with Ghalenoei and Beiranvand began, a FIFA delegate read a formal statement from the team, stating: "We will only answer questions in relation to the game. We fully respect the right of all journalists to ask questions here today. In this case, we ask you to respect the Iranian Federation by asking questions about the team, the tactics, the match and so on."

Some questions were asked about it, however, and Ghalenoei said that his team were only focused on what happens on the pitch, rather than off it, similar to Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan during his press conference.

He said: "We are here to play football, for nothing else. Our entire focus is going to be on the game, on succeeding in tomorrow's game, and anything else that is banned in our league, we don’t want to speak about it, only about football."

Seattle's 'Pride Match Day' - supporting LGBTQ+ rights as part of Seattle's Pride celebrations, which is not a FIFA-planned event, is run by SeattleFWC26 - the city's hosting committee.

Both nations have declined to be a part of the celebrations. However, FIFA have said rainbow flags will be allowed in Seattle Stadium, stating to Reuters that the World Cup is "an inclusive event that welcomes people from all backgrounds".

In 2022, in Qatar, the rainbow flag was banned from all games.

On the pitch, Iran, despite all the challenges thrown at them surrounding visas, long travel delays and limited time in the cities before the games, are unbeaten at the World Cup in two, gaining two draws against New Zealand and Belgium in Group G.

A win against Egypt in Seattle would see them through to the round of 32 for the first time in their history.

Speaking about Friday's opponents, Ghaleneoi explained: "We believe that the Egyptian team is a highly organised, well-planned team. In addition to (Mohamed) Salah, they have very good players. In the past three games, they have scored five goals, they have other players who are equally as good. We hope to contain them and show their weaknesses."

"...The game is going to be so arduous, it's going to be so exciting. We are going to have our total focus on that."

Before the game in Seattle, Iran's team were able to arrive a day earlier than previously into Los Angeles, allowing his team extra time for preparation.

"This was our right, which we should have had in the two previous games, but they (the USA) deprived us of the right to arrive on time.

"It took us three hours this time, so naturally the conditions are better and we are in a better position."

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