A video has surfaced showing former Persepolis footballer Morteza Fanii-Zadeh mocking the celebration of LGBTQ individuals during a match in the U.S. This comes as Iran’s national team is scheduled to play against Egypt on July 5, 2026, in Seattle, coinciding with an LGBTQ pride parade.

Medi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, quickly announced an official protest to FIFA, claiming the issue would be addressed in a FIFA council meeting in Qatar. In the video, Fanii-Zadeh responded dismissively to a journalist's question about the event by mocking, "Look at my mustache."

In Iran, sexual minorities face widespread discrimination, with officials at times referring to them with derogatory terms and deeming their existence "inhuman" or "sick." According to Amnesty International, Iranian laws legitimize violence against LGBTQ individuals, allowing for deadly attacks based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The local organizing committee for the 2026 World Cup in Seattle has stated it will not alter its plans for the day of the Iran vs. Egypt match.