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A Qatar World Cup ambassador told German broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality was “damage to the mind” as the Gulf state prepares to host the world tournament in less than two weeks. In an interview filmed in Doha and to be aired later on Tuesday, former Qatar international Khalid Salman addressed the issue of homosexuality, which is illegal in the conservative Muslim country. Some footballers have raised concerns about the rights of fans traveling to the event, especially LGBT+ people and women, who rights groups say Qatar’s laws discriminate against. The country is expecting more than a million visitors for the World Cup. “They have to accept our rules here,” Salman said in an excerpt of the interview. “[Homosexuality] it is haram. You know what shit [forbidden] what does that mean?” he said. When asked why it was haram, Salman said, “I’m not a strict Muslim, but why is it haram? Because it’s damage to the mind.” The interview was then immediately interrupted by an attendant. Qatar World Cup organizers, when contacted by Reuters, declined to comment. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Organizers have repeatedly stated that everyone was welcome in Qatar during the World Cup. Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup, but the small nation has come under intense pressure in recent years over its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws. The country’s human rights record has led to calls for teams and officials to boycott the tournament from November 20 to December 18.
