Less than two weeks away from the start of the 2022 World Cup, the event has not been free from harsh criticism and is still under fire. This time the dispute flared up around one of the ambassadors of the tournament in Qatar.
In an interview with German ZDF television, Khalid Salman began by clarifying that he was not a “conservative Muslim” but said that homosexuality was considered illegal in the country. That is why he left a warning that fans who go to watch the competition will have to “behave by their rules.” A journalist asked the former footballer about the motives that justify the illegality, and he received the answer that homosexuality is a “mental health issue.”
According to the agency Reuters The interview was then suspended by the person responsible for the event. After the incident, both FIFA and the organizers of the 2022 World Cup only repeated that everyone is welcome during the competition in the country.
At a time when Qatar is expected to host over a million visitors, human rights concerns remain an issue. Several footballers have already raised questions about the security that will be provided to both LGBT+ supporters and female fans in the country that will host the World Cup first in the Middle East.
The interview with Khalid Salman was taped in Doha and is due to be shown in full on Tuesday.
Author: SATURDAY
Source: CM Jornal
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