While FIFA and the leaders of Qatar have been working for weeks to put an end to controversies over human rights and defend a World Cup open to all, this is an intervention that will make a lot of talk.
Questioned by German television, former player Khalid Salman, ambassador of the World Cup, described homosexuality as "mental deviance".
This statement is taken from an interview which will be broadcast in full this Tuesday evening on the ZDF channel.
“During the World Cup, a lot of things will happen here in the country.
Let's talk about gays,” began by saying Khalid Salman, before continuing: “The most important thing is that everyone will accept that they come here but they will have to accept our rules.
[Homosexuality] is "haram".
Why is it haram?
Because it's mental deviance.
It was at this point, says AFP, that he was interrupted by the press officer who accompanied him.
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had assured on September 21 that all supporters would be welcomed "without discrimination" during the World Cup in his country (November 20-December 18), in an apparent desire to reassure on the reception of LGBT+ visitors.
Flags and armbands in rainbow colors
Homosexuality is illegal in this Gulf state and the organizers of the World have tried to reassure by saying that homosexual couples will not be worried during the tournament.
FIFA had reaffirmed for its part that rainbow flags, symbols of the LGBT + community, would be authorized around stadiums.
The captains of several European teams - including those of England, France and Germany - will wear rainbow colored armbands with the message 'One Love' as part of an anti-discrimination campaign.
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