Qatar, which has laws that criminalise homosexuality, will host the football World Cup later this year. But, English Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham claims he has been told Qatar police will not arrest LGBTQI fans for holding hands or kissing in public at the World Cup.
The country has faced questions about its human rights records, treatment of migrant workers and homophobic laws ahead of the World Cup.
Homosexuality in Qatar is illegal. The Penal Code (2004) criminalises acts of ‘sodomy’ and ‘sexual intercourse’ between people of the same sex.
English Football Association chief executive Mark BullinghamOut gay Australian football player Josh Cavallo had earlier this year said that while he dreams of playing in the World Cup, he was apprehensive of playing in Qatar.