FIFA's director of media relations came out as gay during a press conference ahead of the World Cup 2022 as he defended the football organisation's president Gianni Infantino.
Bryan Swanson, a former reporter for Sky Sports and ITV Tyne Tees, sat alongside Infantino during a briefing on Saturday as the FIFA boss made comments that sparked criticism, including declaring "I feel gay" and saying that Europe was in no position to "give moral lessons". Swanson assured that "everybody is welcome" in Qatar, insisting that FIFA is "inclusive".
FIFA has been heavily criticised for allowing Qatar to host the 2022 tournament due to the country's human rights record, including its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ people. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and can result in fines and up to seven years' imprisonment, though host authorities have stated that "everyone is welcome" at the World Cup.
