Thu Sep 26 14:14:13 UTC 2024: ## Saudi Arabia Promises “Welcome” to LGBTQ+ Fans Despite Anti-Gay Laws, Sparking Outrage
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Despite facing harsh criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and experts, Saudi Arabia has declared its intention to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and has assured fans, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, that they will be “respected” and “welcome” in the country.
Hammad Albalawi, the man leading Saudi Arabia’s bid, told Sky Sports that the country is undergoing a period of “remarkable transformation” and that it’s committed to ensuring the safety and inclusivity of all visitors. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous sporting events with millions of attendees and that they are “hospitable Saudis” who would welcome all visitors with open arms.
However, these claims have been met with skepticism and concern from organizations like Stonewall, which urged FIFA to prioritize the safety of all fans, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community. The organization highlighted that homosexuality is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia and that there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“Hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup will put Saudi Arabia in the global spotlight,” a Stonewall spokesperson stated. “This is an opportunity for the international and sporting community to challenge Saudi Arabia on human rights and equality issues.”
Equaldex, which rates countries on their LGBTQ+ rights, has awarded Saudi Arabia a dismal 16 out of 100, placing it 159th out of all world countries in terms of LGBTQ+ equality.
The news has triggered widespread outrage, particularly among LGBTQ+ athletes and supporters. Jon Holmes, founder of Sports Media LGBT+, expressed frustration, saying that the focus should be on addressing human rights abuses and not solely on the football.
Professional footballer Josh Cavallo, who publicly came out as gay in 2021, echoed these sentiments, stating that he would not feel safe in Saudi Arabia. “It’s sad to say, but even in my football career, there [are] certain countries I will not go to and play club football or with the national team,” he said.
This situation highlights the ongoing conflict between the global sporting community’s desire for inclusivity and the harsh realities of human rights violations in certain host nations. It remains to be seen whether FIFA will address these concerns and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its record on LGBTQ+ rights before awarding the 2034 World Cup.
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