According to reports, several World Cup hotels in Qatar have refused to allow gay guests to stay and others have asked clients to modify their behavior during their visit.
Although FIFA and the Qatari authorities previously stated that all fans are welcome at the tournament, a poll conducted by Swedish and Danish media has revealed that several hotels are refusing to accommodate LGBTQ+ visitors.
As per the poll, 69 hotels in Qatar that were featured on an official World Cup website and approved by FIFA were called by journalists pretending to be a recently married gay couple looking to book a room.
NRK, SVT and DR has conducted a investigation into the Qatar World Cup Hotels and if they would accept a gay married couple. Out of the 69 which are officially listed:-
3 said no
20 say yes but with 'limitations'
33 said yes without restrictions
13 no reply/quarentine hotel— Adam_Addicott (@AdamAddicott) May 12, 2022
The hotel advised, “If you put on makeup and dress gay, it goes against the country’s and the government’s policy. But for our hotel, it’s OK, if you dress appropriately and do not exhibit sexual behaviour or kiss in public.”
Security chief in the Qatari government told the AP, “reserve the room together, sleep together – this is something that’s not in our concern.”
“You want to demonstrate your view about the [LGBTQ+] situation, demonstrate it in a society where it will be accepted,” he added. “Watch the game. That’s good. But don’t really come in and insult the whole society because of this.”
FIFA responded by saying, “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 championship.”