Qatar World Cup Ambassador Causes Controversy with Statement "Homosexuality is a Mental Disorder"

German Media: "Qatar, the Most Controversial Host Country in World Cup History"
Exploitation of Foreign Workers and Suppression of LGBTQ+ Rights During World Cup Preparations

On the 20th of last month (local time), citizens in Doha, the capital of Qatar, were passing by a countdown clock showing 30 days remaining until the opening match of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Qatar, the host country of the 2022 World Cup, is facing international criticism over human rights abuses, as Khalid Salman, Qatar World Cup Ambassador, sparked controversy by stating that "homosexuality is a mental disorder."

On the 7th (local time), according to German public broadcaster ZDF, in an interview with the documentary program 'Secret Matters Qatar' reporting team, he said, "In my eyes, homosexuality is 'haram' (an act not in accordance with Islamic law)" and "it is a mental disorder." He also mentioned that it is problematic for children to learn bad things by seeing homosexuals.

Local media S?ddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) pointed out that Qatar is the most controversial host country in World Cup history. Qatar has been criticized for exploiting foreign workers and suppressing LGBTQ rights during the World Cup preparation process.

In this situation, it became controversial when it was revealed that FIFA requested participating countries to "focus only on football." According to AP News on the 4th, recently FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary-General Fatma Samoura, among FIFA leadership, sent letters to the 32 countries participating in the Qatar World Cup, advising that "football should not be involved in ideological or political conflicts."

In the letter, they stated, "We strive to respect all opinions and beliefs," and "One of the greatest strengths of the world is diversity." They emphasized, "No particular person, culture, or country can be considered superior to others," adding, "These principles are the foundation of mutual respect and a culture without discrimination, and one of the core values of football."

Human rights organizations criticized FIFA for turning a blind eye to human rights violations. Steve Cockburn, Director of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, said, "If the world wants to focus on football, there is a simple solution: not hiding human rights issues but exposing and putting a stop to them." He pointed out, "It is surprising that FIFA still has not done this. Hundreds of thousands of workers have been abused for the World Cup. Their rights must not be forgotten or ignored."