LGBTQ+ News Saudi Arabia “must provide assurances on LGBTQ+ rights for 2034 FIFA World Cup” Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has written to the Saudi Football Federation, urging them to meet with him and to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ players, officials and fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Tatchell’s letter to Hammad Albalawi of the FIFA By Graham Robson • 2 min read
ZANDER MURRAY Sport Openly gay footballer, Zander Murray, comments on decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 football World Cup Openly gay footballer, Zander Murray, has commented on the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 football World Cup, saying “the difference between a gay football fan and a straight football fan going over there is that the straight person has basic human rights. We don’t. Our existence is punisha By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Sport “SHAME!” Saudi Arabia to “welcome” LGBTQ+ fans when it hosts 2034 World Cup The Football Association (FA) has said it received assurances from Saudi Arabia that LGBTQ+ fans would be “safe and welcome”, after backing the Gulf state in its bid to host the 2034 World Cup. FIFA confirmed on Wednesday, December 11 that the nation would host the tournament, despite criticism of i By Graham Robson • 2 min read
LGBTQ+ News Saudi Arabia will “welcome” LGBTQ+ people during 2034 World Cup, despite penalties, including capital punishment, for gays in the country Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia‘s 2034 World Cup bid unit, said his country welcomes all visitors, including LGBTQ+ people as the country bids to host the football tournament. There are currently no legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia. Homosexuality and transgender status or ge By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Coventry and West Midlands Villa & Proud launches World Cup survey In response to media asking for comments regarding the World Cup from Villa & Proud – the official LGBTQ+ supporter network for Aston Villa Football Club – the group has launched a survey, asking for feedback from their members. By Catherine Muxworthy • 1 min read
News FIFA’s top officials urge the 32 teams preparing for this year’s football World Cup in Qatar to “focus on the football” “Footballers with a conscience have a right to freedom of expression, just like everyone else.” By Graham Robson • 1 min read
General News Over 250 sign open letter about better LGBTQ+ inclusion in football More than 150 people and 100 organisations have signed a letter criticising ‘sensationalist’ media coverage that speculates about the sexuality of male football players. By Rachel Badham • 2 min read
