Fifa President apologises for comments

Friday 17 Dec 2010
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Fifa president Sepp Blatter has apologised for saying gay fans should “refrain from sexual activity” if they go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and Blatter’s original comments provoked outrage among gay rights groups who said he should apologise or resign.

Blatter said: “It was not my intention and never will be my intention to go into any discrimination.

“If somebody feels hurt, then I regret [it] and present apologies.”

Qatar was the surprise winner of the race to host the 2022 World Cup, beating Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States when the 22-man Fifa executive committee voted in Zurich on 2 December.

Gay groups are worried about the acceptance of homosexual fans, and the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) say Blatter’s original comments showed naivety about gay discrimination.

From BBC Sport

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