A group of LGTB+ representatives has spoken out about the 2022 Winter World Cup in Qatar – in no uncertain terms.
A cross-border coalition of several LGTB+ associations has voiced concerns about the World Cup in Qatar. The community is not being taken seriously by FIFA and the Supreme Committee in Qatar. There have already been no concrete “assurances on how LGBT+ fans, players, journalists and staff will be protected in a country that criminalises their existence”.
“World Cup for all”? – More like “little effort”
“Getting to the World Cup in Qatar without fear for our safety and with freedom from persecution” was simply not possible. There had been “little effort by the organisers to proactively address concerns”. Instead, the slogan that “this is a World Cup for everyone” was heard. There has been more deflection than talk about human rights in Qatar. “All we have seen, unfortunately, from those in charge are slogans, no security […], avoidance and not action.” This, he said, was simply not good enough. “We have seen no details of how our trans+ members will be treated with respect at security checks; no guarantees heard that LGBT+ people will not be arrested for existing. “
The conclusion of the statement released by the Alliance on Friday is therefore clear: “We cannot in good faith tell our members, LGBT+ persons or allies that this is a World Cup for all.”
Collaboration with other stakeholders and bodies will therefore continue, he said. The “shaping of a more just society in the future of football” is the goal, he said. FIFA and the organisers are also under pressure to do this: “It takes bipartisanship and a real commitment to change, both from the organisers and the governing bodies” to make a difference.
