FIFA Boss Advises Gay Fans to “Refrain” At Qatar World Cup

Sepp Blatter’s comments have reignited the debate over the decision to hold the tournament in the restrictive Mideast country.

Blatter later claimed his comments advising homosexual fans to not have sex at the 2022 World Cup were a joke, but try telling that to Qatar’s gay citizens. Homosexuality is illegal in the country and sodomy is punishable by up to five years in prison. FIFA passed over Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the U.S. and awarded the tournament to Qatar last week, outraging critics who say the country’s small size, prohibition against alcohol, incredible heat, and anti-gay laws make it an unsuitable venue for the World Cup. FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, has been accused of corruption for years, and accusations have emerged that oil-rich Qatar engaged in bribery ahead of the organization’s vote last week.