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.
