A new thorn in the side of the Qatari world raised by an ex-player. “The treatment of homosexuals (in Qatar) is absolutely unacceptable”, denounces the former international and current director of the German Football Federation Oliver Bierhoff in an interview with the media of the Funke group (German regional daily newspapers in particular) to be published on Saturday.
The legislation of the host country of the World Cup (November 21-December 18) criminalizing homosexuality, “does not correspond in any way to my convictions”, develops the 1996 European champion, who will be in Qatar as manager of the National team.
In Qatar, homosexuality is illegal and the organization of the competition has already made it known that waving rainbow flags will be prohibited. People from the LGBTQI+ community are also asked to exercise “discretion” when they come to the country.
Germany showcases human values
“What criteria does Fifa actually use for awarding a World Cup? asks Bierhoff, believing that “the allocation of a tournament is the most powerful weapon to push for much-needed change”.
But these changes, according to him, “must happen before the designation of the country and not after, otherwise we no longer have any means of pressure”.
The German team, which wants to be a showcase for the values of modern Germany, beyond football, will continue to express itself, according to the 54-year-old leader: “I think it is generally good that we continue to talk about these themes outside the sporting field, to raise awareness, ”he said. This World Cup has not finished mounting the world against him.
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