Qatar World Cup 2022: Some hotels are turning away same-sex couples, investigation finds

Reporters found that three out of 69 hotels refused to put them up, after they posed as a same-sex couple looking for accommodation
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Some World Cup hotels in Qatar have turned away same-sex couples and others have asked customers to avoid public displays of affection, according to an investigation.

Reporters from Norway, Sweden and Denmark posed as a same-sex couple looking for accommodation in an investigation.

They found that 20 hotels asked them not to publicly display their sexual orientation, while 33 went ahead with the booking without hesitation.

In response to their investigation, football’s world governing body FIFA told the reporters: “FIFA is confident that all necessary measures will be in place for LGBT+ supporters so that they, like everyone else, can feel welcome and safe during the championships.”

Getty Images

In March, FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino said to Associated Press news agency “everyone is welcome here in Qatar”, although homosexuality is illegal in the country.

FIFA and Qatari authorities have previously stated that everyone is welcome at this year’s tournament.

FIFA added that they shared the findings with Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) at the World Cup and would take action against any hotels that do not comply with their “inclusive” approach.

AFP via Getty Images

Speaking to Reuters agency, a committee spokesperson said: “More than 100 hotels in Qatar that will accommodate visiting football fans, players, officials and other core stakeholders, will be required to comply with the Sustainable Sourcing Code.

"As a result, hotel operators complying with the Sustainable Sourcing Code are subsequently monitored and evaluated.

"The SC treats any violation of this code or instance of discrimination with the utmost seriousness.”

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