By Jon Fairbanks
editor in chief, gaytravel.com
LONDON – An LGBT organization wants FIFA president Sepp Blatter to apology for an anti-gay statement he made at a press conference in South Africa on Monday.
Blatter said gay and lesbian fans traveling to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup “should refrain from any sexual activities.” Homosexuality is illegal in the country.
Juris Lavrikovs, spokesperson for the European branch of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association said the comment “deeply offended” people.
Kick It Out, a European soccer group has also criticized Blatter for his remarks.
Qatar was chosen as host country of the 2022 World Cup earlier this month. The United States, Australia, South Korea and Japan all vied for the honor.