Peter Tatchell urges Saudi Arabia to guarantee safety of LGBTQ+ football fans at World Cup

Human rights advocate Peter Tatchell has reached out to Saudi Arabia’s Football Federation, requesting assurances for the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals attending the 2034 men’s World Cup, considering the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws, according to ‘MSN’.

LGBTQ+ football fans were taken aback and very concerned when FIFA announced last December that Saudi Arabia would host the international tournament due to a lack of other viable bids. The Middle Eastern kingdom was officially awarded the competition after a December vote.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in football has sparked controversy, with numerous fans and analysts accusing the nation of engaging in ‘sports-washing’ to mask its extensive record of human rights abuses, including severe anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is illegal, with severe penalties, including the death penalty, for those found guilty of engaging in same-sex acts. Moreover, LGBTQ+ topics are censored, and being transgender is outlawed under Sharia Law, which bans what it terms “cross-dressing.”

Equaldex ranks Saudi Arabia 162nd globally regarding LGBTQ+ equality, with Qatar, the host of the 2022 World Cup, ranked 187th.

In a letter addressed to Hammad Albalawi of the FIFA World Cup 2034 team, Tatchell requested a meeting to discuss the “safety, dignity and rights of LGBT+ players, officials and fans.”

Tatchell’s letter outlines five points for which he seeks a “commitment,” including the safety of LGBTQ+ visitors, the assurance of their ability to support LGBT+ rights freely, explicit legal protection from discrimination, a pledge that hospitality venues won’t discriminate against queer visitors, and collaboration with human rights groups.

“Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase its commitment to progress and inclusivity on a global stage,” the letter concludes, adding that providing these assurances would communicate that the Kingdom is ready to engage constructively with the international community on human rights and equality.

Explaining his reasons for writing the letter, Tatchell stated: “FIFA has a responsibility to uphold human rights in all aspects of its operations. Yet the decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, a country where LGBT+ people face severe persecution, is deeply troubling.”

He expressed concern, saying, “Without cast-iron guarantees from Saudi authorities, LGBT+ fans could face serious risks.”

Tatchell also noted that Saudi Arabia has a chance to show genuine commitment to human rights progress and inclusivity globally, suggesting that these five guarantees would signal readiness to meaningfully engage with the international community on human rights issues.

He warned that without these guarantees, the World Cup might become another instance of sports-washing, where oppressive regimes use global sports events to cleanse their reputations.

Previously, Albalawi stated that LGBTQ+ fans would be “respected” and “welcome” in the country, though concerns remain about freedom of speech and potential arrests.

“We are on a journey of remarkable transformation,” Albalawi remarked. “It’s the natural next step for us to aspire to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia and we’re very excited about it. You will be respected, you will be welcome and that respect and welcome is to everyone from all around the world.”

He emphasised respect for the privacy of all guests, noting that millions have visited Saudi Arabia in recent years and enjoyed numerous sporting events.

Albalawi encouraged others to learn about the kingdom, asserting that visiting would reveal the hospitality of Saudis, and expressed eagerness to welcome guests from around the world.