Egypt focused on football amid Pride celebrations, coach Hassan says

SEATTLE, June 25 : Egypt are focused on football amid complaints from their soccer association and Iran about local organisers' decision to designate the game as Seattle's "Pride Match", coach Hossam Hassan said on Thursday.

The winners of Friday's match could top Group G, depending on the result between Belgium and New Zealand, but the build-up has been dominated by how two countries where homosexuality is criminalised have been drawn to play the game.

Egypt and Iran both objected after December's draw, though FIFA, which says what happens outside the stadium is a matter for host cities, has confirmed fans will be allowed to bring rainbow flags to the World Cup match.

Egypt coach Hassan did not directly answer when asked about Seattle's Pride celebrations coinciding with the game, saying they were all focused on football.

"FIFA is, of course, taking care of the organisational side," Hassan told reporters. "We have our Egyptian FA who handles and manages those things.

"We are concerned with football on the pitch. We respect, once again, respect and fair play as rules for everyone to abide by and any guidelines set forth by FIFA."

HASSAN HAILS 'NEW VERSION' OF SALAH

Hassan also declined to speak about Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei's comments that travel restrictions, since eased, made them the tournament's "most oppressed team".

"Each and every national team has the right to take part in the tournament and is entitled to equal treatment and FIFA makes a huge effort to give everyone equal chances to guarantee respect and fair play," Hassan said.

The hopes of Egyptian fans are, as ever, largely pinned on their talismanic captain Mohamed Salah, who was instrumental to the Pharaohs' first World Cup victory over New Zealand, playing in