FIFA's meetings with us were just a 'Band-Aid' over Qatar's oppression, says Arab LGBT group 🔴 Exclusive from PatrickStrud
Ahwaa began engaging with Fifa early last year, hoping the World Cup would be an opportunity to improve the situation for LGBT people in Qatar. Initially, the meetings appeared to be held in good faith, Ahwaa’s co-founder told, with Fifa officials wanting to understand more than just the laws but what life is like for LGBT people in the region.
Ahwaa tried to explain to Fifa that what would help LGBT people living in Qatar is for the football governing body “to actually try to influence local policies so that by the time you leave, we can hold the government accountable,” she said. Two women stand with a board reading in German “Smooching for Qatar” during a protest in front of the Fifa museum in Zurich
Developing these measures has involved collaborating with a range of stakeholders, Fifa said, “including organisations promoting LGBTIQ+ rights… Fifa is confident that all necessary measures will be in place for LGBTIQ+ fans and allies to enjoy the tournament in a welcoming and safe environment, just as for everyone else”.
“Fifa as an organisation fell short,” she said. “Who are we to them? Nothing. There’s no consistency in any promises and any claims that they’ve made. We have not seen a single shred of evidence that they’ve taken our story seriously.”
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