“Homosexuality is an injury to the mind”, this is the definition he gave Khalid Salman, ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatarin an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF.
Former Qatari national team player and one of those in charge of promoting the World Cup explained that this sexual orientation is prohibited in his country. “It is haram (forbidden) because it corrupts the mind,” declared the former footballer. He also emphasized his concern that Qatari children may see gays around Qatar.
“They have to accept our rules here during the World Cup. Homosexuality is a mental deviation.” said the ambassador gruffly. The interview was quickly cut short by a press officer from the World Cup organizing committee, and because of these statements the Reuters agency asked the organization for explanations. The interview is part of a documentary to be broadcast tonight by ZDF in Germany.
Qatar has been a much-criticized destination since being awarded the 2022 World Cup by FIFA, and with 12 days to go before the biggest competition at national team level begins, Qatar continues to insist that everyone is welcome in the country, as long as they have a ticket.
Due to the large number of movements against the World Cup in Qatar, many teams act to promote human rights. Denmark will play in shirts with no advertising and with faded shields in protest against the World Cup and national teams such as Germany, France and England will wear captain armbands with a rainbow flag and the motto ‘OneLove’.
Source: La Verdad
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