The FIFA World Cup 2022 is just a month away from its big kick-off, but certain groups of supporters are being warned they may be in danger if they travel to Qatar.
The Middle-Eastern country still deems homosexuality to be illegal and it refuses to recognize anyone who has transitioned from their gender at birth.
World soccer federation FIFA and the Qatari government have continually stated that the tournament will be inclusive and that everyone will be welcome from when the it begins in November.
Liz Ward, director of programmes at Stonewall, told Newsweek that this statement might be a long way off the mark and warned that traveling there “is not safe”.
Ward said: “As we approach the 2022 Men’s World Cup, we must remember that Qatar is a country where LGBTQ+ people are persecuted simply for being themselves.
“Sadly, this year’s tournament is not safe for everyone.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again emphasized that the tournament will be inclusive, and that all necessary measures will be in place for LGBTQ+ fans and allies to enjoy the tournament in a welcoming and safe environment.
He said: “Everyone will be welcome to the tournament, regardless of their origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.”
FIFA has stated previously that its position on inclusivity is unequivocal and that discrimination of any kind on account of sexual orientation is strictly prohibited.
The worries expressed by Stonewall have also been reflected by England’s Three Lions Pride’s co-founder Joe White, who has called upon Qatar’s authorities to state publicly that gay fans will be completely protected.
White said that the government in the country need to make that statement “because ultimately they are the ones who can enforce or suspend laws.”
White told The Guardian: “We appreciate the lengthy work the FA has done behind the scenes on engaging with the Supreme Committee, but there are still more assurances and details required for us to best support any fans attending who may wish to show solidarity with the LGBT+ community.
“As far as our membership is concerned, there are no LGBT+ people attending with the England Supporters Travel Club for the World Cup and members either didn’t apply for the ballot or returned them due to feeling unsafe and uncertain given the lack of reassurances by FIFA and Qatar’s Supreme Committee.”
Stonewall’s Global Workplace Briefing, a barometer on how safe or otherwise it is to travel to different countries, has stated it feels Qatar is not a place it would recommend as a country to work in.
The organization states in its briefing: “Given the restrictive legislative framework in Qatar in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity, any LGBT-related activities in the region should be approached with caution.
“The safety and security of LGBT staff should be paramount at all times.”
The director general of Qatar’s World Cup organizing committee, Yasir Al Jamal, has previously stated that everyone is welcome in Qatar.
He said: “We will continue to collaborate closely with our national stakeholders to ensure our country hosts an unforgettable FIFA World Cup for both residents and the many visitors we are expecting. We are excited to welcome the world in November and December, and introduce everyone to our culture and hospitality.”
FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar ‘Not Safe’ for LGBTQ+ People, Says Stonewall
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