An ambassador for the Qatar World Cup has claimed that homosexuality is “damage in the mind” just 12 days before the tournament is due to start.
Qatar has been regularly criticised for its human rights problems since being announced as the host of the tournament back in 2010. Homosexuality is illegal in the Middle Eastern country, which has a conservative Muslim society.
The tiny Gulf state is expecting around 1 million people to visit for the tournament, which runs from November 20 to December 18. Organisers have frequently insisted that all fans are welcome and that they will be safe and respected.
But former Qatar international Khalid Salman has given a very different reflection of the attitude towards homosexuality. "They have to accept our rules here," Salman told German television broadcaster ZDF. "(Homosexuality) is haram. You know what haram (forbidden) means?”
When asked why it was haram, Salman said: "I am not a strict Muslim, but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind." The interview, which is due to be broadcast in full in Germany on Tuesday, was then immediately stopped by an official.
A gay man who has previously living in Qatar recently claimed he was 'hunted' by the country's police force before being gang-raped in a hotel room. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 32 nations attending the World Cup, asking them to concentrate on football.
The tournament’s organisers have often repeated generic assurances that visitors to the country will be respected. A spokesperson for the Supreme Committee said: “We have always said that this is a World Cup for all. Everyone is welcome – regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality – and we’re excited to introduce the world to Qatar’s rich Arab culture and traditions.”
A FIFA spokesperson added: “Qatar as a host country is fully aware of its responsibility to adhere to FIFA’s expectations and requirements on human rights, equality and non-discrimination.
“Qatar is committed to ensuring that everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament in a safe and welcoming environment, to building bridges of cultural understanding and to creating an inclusive experience for all participants and attendees, including members of the LGBTIQ+ community.”
Wales expect between 2,400 and 3,000 fans to travel to Qatar to support their team, who are in Group B alongside England. Organisers’ words haven’t convinced the Football Association of Wales that their LGBTQ+ supporters will be safe.
“We’ve put many questions to the Supreme Committee and the Qatari Government. They are very firm on this stance that everyone is welcome and safe, however we can’t guarantee that as a national association,” Jason Webber, senior equalities manager at the FAW, told Welsh broadcaster S4C.
“There are discussions ongoing for having almost a safe house area for women or those in the LGBTQ community, but it’s just providing as much information for those fans who are travelling.”
The World Cup kicks off on Sunday, November 20 when hosts Qatar take on Ecuador. England begin their campaign against Iran and Wales play USA on the following day.
