Qatar World Cup Committee accused of ignoring LGBTQ+ groups’ requests

Daniel Brown

The eight action requests were reportedly set out 15 months ago

The Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy of the 2022 World Cup has been accused of failing to respond to eight action requests set out by LGBTQ+ focused organisations over a year ago.

As reported by The Athletic, FootballvHomophobia, leading European anti-discrimination network FARE and Athlete Ally all held meetings with football governing body FIFA, who did issue a response to the accusation(s).

The World Cup Supreme Committee are yet to respond

However, the report adds that the World Cup Supreme Committee are yet to respond.

A press release was issued by the group of organisations, which read: “Progress has been slow, reassurances about the safety of LGBTIQ+ people and the mechanisms in place to ensure safety have not been adequate.

“If acknowledgement of the issues facing LGBTIQ+ people in Qatar and reassurances of safety cannot be offered, we will be forced to question if the risk facing LGBTIQ+ people wanting to attend or work at the World Cup in Qatar is too high.

“Further meetings are planned with both FIFA and the Supreme Committee in the coming weeks where it is hoped progress can be made.”

Some LGBTQ+ members are fearful of travelling to Qatar

Given that Qatar has been heavily criticised for its alleged human rights violations and ill-treatment of migrant workers, some members of the LGBTQ+ community are nervous about travelling to the Gulf state.

The organisations reviewed several events that might be encountered by visiting fans, players, staff and others working at the tournament in Qatar who either identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community or are active allies.

The Athletic add that the eight requests put forward to the World Cup Supreme Committee include:

Repeal laws or regulations that target LGBTIQ+ people.
Provide explicit safety guarantees for LGBTIQ+ people against harassment, arrest or detention.
Guarantee the right of entry to Qatar for LGBTIQ+ persons planning to attend the FIFA men’s World Cup 2022, as well as freedom of expression for all people in the country, inside and outside of stadiums.
Provide appropriate training in dealing with the LGBTIQ+ community.
Ensure adequate facilities in stadia for LGBTIQ+ persons.
FIFA and the SC communicate a clear welcome to Qatar for LGBTIQ+ persons planning to attend the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022, as well as freedom of expression for all people in the country, inside and outside of stadiums.
Ensure that there is no censorship or ban on discussion of LGBTIQ+ issues in the local and international media or in broadcasting.
Work with stakeholders from the international and regional LGBTIQ+ community to ensure the long-term safety of LGBTIQ+ persons in the region.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup gets underway on November 21, with the draw for the tournament set to take place on Friday (April 1) at the DECC venue in Doha.

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