World Cup Controversy: Moroccan Captain Faces Inappropriate Question on Team’s Sexuality

The journalist asked Ghizlane Chebbak if there were any lesbian players on the Moroccan women’s team. Disappointed, the captain of the Lionesses of the Atlas pushed back the question. The FIFA moderator quickly brushed aside this question. In vain. The question shocked the other Moroccan and other nationality journalists present, reports The Athletic.

"The journalist completely crossed the line," said Shireen Ahmed, a Muslim journalist from CBC in Canada. "Risk reduction is important and there was no need to ask the captain or the coach. The question was brushed aside by a FIFA media officer, but it should not have been asked."

"That’s why we advocate for diversity in sports media, but also why we scream that we need to diversify ourselves... to learn empathy and decency along the way. This is unacceptable," Nubia, host of the popular American podcast Shea Butter FC, was outraged. Another commentator lashed out: "I know women’s football is a lot more open than men’s football, but if you’re a journalist and you’re trying to identify players when they could be persecuted or imprisoned in their country of origin, that’s not a good idea."

In Morocco, homosexuality is a criminal offense prohibited by Article 489 of the Penal Code. The person caught can be sentenced from six months to three years in prison or fines of 120 to 1200 dirhams, i.e. 11 to 110 euros.