LGBT activists protest at FIFA museum ahead of Qatar World Cup
The All Out group that organised the Zurich protest on Tuesday wants FIFA to pressure Qatar to decriminalise same-sex relations and protect the LGBT+ community
Reuters / Arnd Wiegmann
A few dozen people have protested in front of the FIFA Museum in Zurich to press for the rights of the LGBT+ community ahead of the World Cup hosted by Gulf state Qatar.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Reuters/ts
Português
pt
Ativistas LGBT protestam no museu da FIFA antes da Copa do Mundo do Catar
Some football players have raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event, especially LGBT+ individuals and women, against whom rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate.
In an interview filmed in Doha and to be screened later on Tuesday, a Qatar World Cup ambassador told German television broadcaster ZDF that homosexuality, which is illegal in the conservative Muslim country, was “damage in the mind”.
More
More
Foreign Affairs
Ex-FIFA boss regrets choice of Qatar for World Cup
This content was published on
The former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, says the choice of Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup was a mistake as the Gulf country is too small.
The All Out group that organised the Zurich protest on Tuesday said the demonstration aimed to “make sure FIFA and Qatar know the world is watching and that citizens around the world expect action”.
All Out wants FIFA to pressure Qatar to decriminalise same-sex relations and protect the LGBT+ community. It said FIFA had not publicly committed to concrete steps that would ensure the safety of LGBT+ football fans, gay players or the local LGBT+ community.
‘Safe and welcoming environment’
“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,” a spokesperson for world football’s governing body responded to Reuters in an email.
FIFA’s position was that discrimination of any kind on account of sexual orientation was strictly prohibited, the spokesperson said. “Qatar as a host country is fully committed to ensuring that everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament in a safe and welcoming environment, including members of the LGBTIQ+ community.”
More
More
Swiss Abroad
‘Is Qatar ready for the whole world? I don’t think so’
This content was published on
The football World Cup kicks off in Qatar in two weeks. A Swiss teacher gives us her insights into a challenging culture.
Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup, but the small nation has come under intense pressure for its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws.
The country’s human rights record has led to calls for teams and officials to boycott the tournament, which takes place from November 20 to December 18. Switzerland’s three group games are against Cameroon on November 24, Brazil on November 28 and Serbia on December 2.
More
More
Swiss Politics
Swiss tackle homophobia in sport
This content was published on
“As an athlete but also as a human being, I think we need to stop any kind of discrimination in order to unleash our full potential,” Simona Meiler told swissinfo.ch ahead of the games. Meiler is one of Switzerland’s best snowboarders and finished 10th in her event on Sunday. She is also the only openly…
Swiss foreign minister praises improved relations with Italy
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis expressed his satisfaction on Tuesday with the good relations that Switzerland has developed with Italy.
Boating and swimming to be banned on part of River Aare in Bern
This content was published on
From September, the city and canton of Bern will be carrying out extensive construction work on the River Aare to protect against flooding and to renovate the Marzili outdoor pool.
Moutier: foreigners familiarise themselves with right to vote
This content was published on
From 2026, Moutier will be part of the Swiss canton of Jura, gaining more than 1,000 new voters. On Monday around 50 people were informed about their new rights.
Switzerland ‘more than ready’ to host Ukraine summit
This content was published on
Switzerland is more than ready to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, says Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, highlighting Switzerland's expertise in this area.
This content was published on
Every second aircraft at Zurich Airport took off late this summer. However, the situation has already improved significantly compared to last year.
Swiss union federation demands average wage increase of 2%
This content was published on
The employees' umbrella organisation Travailsuisse is demanding an average wage increase of two percent for all employees in the coming year. This would cover the rising cost of living and make up for wage shortfalls in recent years.
‘Dr Pump’ sentenced for administering unauthorised substances
This content was published on
A Bern Regional Court has found the Solothurn doctor known as "Dr Pump" guilty of offences against the Sports Promotion Law. The man had administered unauthorised substances to patients.
This content was published on
Volunteering can have a positive effect on mental health. According to a survey conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, people who volunteer for others also strengthen themselves.
This content was published on
Twint is being used more and more frequently to make purchases at the till or transfer money to friends using a smartphone. By the middle of the year, the payment app already had more than six million users in Switzerland.
This content was published on
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, according to French President Emmanuel Macron. He is calling for it to be held in Geneva.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘Project Merciless’: how Qatar spied on the world of football in Switzerland
This content was published on
Qatar orchestrated a major intelligence operation against FIFA officials helped by ex-CIA agents. Switzerland was a key theatre of operations.
‘Marriage for all’ wins thumping approval of Swiss voters
This content was published on
A law giving full marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples has been accepted by almost two-thirds of Swiss citizens.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.