BERLIN, Nov 8 (Reuters) – A former Qatari footballer who has become one of his country’s World Cup ambassadors has told German broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality is “mental deviance”, reigniting controversy on the treatment of women and minorities, including sexual minorities, in the emirate.
In an interview to be aired this Tuesday in Germany, former international player Khalid Salman is asked about the concern expressed by some players about the treatment of the LGBT community, as more than one million visitors are expected in Qatar for the World Cup.
“They have to accept our rules,” replied Khalid Salman, according to an excerpt from the interview recorded in Qatar, where same-sex relations are illegal.
“(Homosexuality) is haram,” continues the 60-year-old former midfielder. “I’m not a strict Muslim but why is it haram (unlawful)? Because it’s mental deviance.”
The interview was immediately interrupted by a Qatari official, ZDF said. Contacted by Reuters, the organizing committee of the World Cup declined to comment.
Fifa has not reacted yet. (Written by Karolos Grohmann, with Andrew Mills in Doha, French version Tangi Salaün, editing by Nicolas Delame)
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