Gary Lineker has admitted he knows of two football stars who are gay and that the World Cup in Qatar could be an excellent time to come out.
The most famous football tournament in the world gets underway in November but has been surrounded by controversy since Qatar was surprisingly chosen to host the competition by FIFA.
One of the most notable of these are the human rights issues that affect the state, where homosexuality is banned and can lead to a jail sentence of seven years.
In an interview with the Mirror, Lineker claims to know of Premier League stars who have been ‘very close’ to coming out, and believes that a defiant message can be sent around the world if any homosexual star came out during the tournament.
‘It would be great if one or two of them came out during the World Cup. It would be amazing,’ Lineker said.
‘I know for a fact that some have been very close and contemplated it. There’s a couple I know, but obviously it’s not for me to say who they are.’
Very few players have revealed themselves to be openly homosexual in the men’s game and when asked why this may be the case, Lineker believes the unknown of how they could then be treated by fans and team-mates can be too much to risk.
Gary Lineker has admitted he knows of two footballers who have yet to come out
‘[It’s] Fear. Fear of the unknown, I imagine,’ the Match of the Day presenter added. Perhaps they are worried about what their teammates might think, although they probably already know. I mean, it seems insane that it should even be a thing.
‘People say, “Yeah, but the crowds.” And I say, “Well the crowds chant anyway”. Any kind of abuse you take is a compliment from the opposing fans. You’re always going to get a few idiots. But it’s easy for me to say because I’m not in that position.’
England will be looking to make a stand against homophobia during the tournament with England captain Harry Kane already insisting he has no concerns over wearing a OneLove captain’s armband as part of an anti-discrimination initiative – in line with nine other participating countries.
Same sex activity is a criminal offence in Qatar where the World Cup will be held next month
FIFA have yet to give permission for England to wear the armband, but either way the Football Association (FA) are determined for Kane to wear the armband anyway even if the football governing body risk being handed a potential fine.
The OneLove armbands will be used to promote diversity, inclusion and anti-discrimination, in Qatar – where same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised.
The armbands were worn at the latest round of Nations League fixtures, with permission being given by UEFA. However, the green light has not yet been given by FIFA for them to be used in Qatar.
The FA are determined for Harry Kane to wear a OneLove armband despite a potential ban
England and nine other European countries have joined the ‘OneLove’ campaign
In the wake of the initiative the head of the Qatar World Cup has since warned against the tournament turning into a ‘platform of political statements.’
Qatar World Cup chief Nasser Al Khater has said it will be up to world football’s governing body to approve the use of the armband.
Qatari officials have insisted members of the LGBTQ+ community will be welcome at the World Cup but the nation has refused to change its laws ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to Sky News, Al Khater urged those attending the event to be respectful of the local culture.
Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater has said the World Cup should not be used as a ‘platform of political statements’
‘At the end of the day, as long as you don’t do anything that harms other people, if you’re not destroying public property, as long as you’re behaving in a way that’s not harmful, then everybody’s welcome and you have nothing to worry about,’ he said.
‘From what I understand, there are discussions taking place about the different political messages that are going to be.
‘This is a sporting tournament that people want to come and enjoy. Turning it into a platform of political statements I don’t think is right for the sport.’
Kane, who wore the armband during England’s Nations League games with Italy and Germany last month, said: ‘I am honoured to join my fellow national team captains in supporting the important OneLove campaign.
‘As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination. This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society.’
