Blatter sends warning to gay football fans

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said that homosexuals who travel to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should refrain from sexual activity.

Speaking at a news conference in South Africa, Blatter said that visitors should respect local laws in Qatar where homosexuality is illegal and sodomy incurs a heavy prison term.

“Then I would say then that they should refrain from any sexual activities,” Blatter replied when asked whether gay football supporters should worry about the country’s strict laws.

But the chief of football’s global governing body was quick to add that FIFA does not tolerate discrimination.

“I think there shall not be any discrimination against any human beings, being on this side or that side or left or right or whatever, because football is a game that does not affect any discrimination and we don’t want to have any discrimination,” he said.

Blatter also said he was sure that everyone, regardless of their sexual preference, would be allowed to attend matches.

He was in South Africa to launch a World Cup Legacy Trust which has committed US$80 million to the development of the sport in the country as well as support for education and health projects.