Ambassador for the Qatar Football World Cup Khalid Salman Al-Muhannadi said that homosexuality is "damage in the mind”. Al-Muhannadi is a former Qatari footballer. The Gulf state is set to host the event from November 20 onwards.
Al-Muhannadi made the statement in an interview filmed in Doha, Reuters reported. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Soccer players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling for the tournament-- particularly the LGBTQ community.
"They have to accept our rules here," Al-Muhannadi said. “Homosexuality is haram. You know what haram (forbidden) means?" he said. "I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind," he added.
Qatar has come under the radar in recent years over its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws. It is the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup. Organisers have time and again said that all are welcome to the event.
On November 3, the New York Times reported that Qatar would give flight tickets and tickets to matches, but on the condition that the receiver won't criticise the Gulf State. The hand-picked winners will also have to report those who are critical of Qatar on social media. Invitations went out in September and despite the rules, hundreds have signed up.
