Questions over Drakeford’s World Cup visit after comments from Qatar official
PLAID Cymru leader Adam Price has launched a new attack on Mark Drakeford’s decision to travel to the Qatar World Cup, following ‘hateful’ comments made by a World Cup ambassador.
Former Qatari international footballer Khalid Salman, who is now a public face of the tournament, told a German broadcaster: “They have to accept our rules here,” adding that homosexuality was a “damage in the mind.”
Mr Price said in First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday that Salman’s comments – which included suggestions that children would be harmed by learning about LGBTQ+ people – showed the issues LGBTQ+ people would face at the tournament.
He said: “You referred to the Rainbow Wall; of course, they’ve decided that they cannot go to this World Cup.
“I’ve seen discussion that the Football Association of Wales is having with the Qatar Government about creating safe houses for LGBTQ+ people, but the fact that there even has to be that discussion, and that there can be no guarantee ultimately that LGBTQ+ people will not be subject to discrimination and, indeed, even imprisonment, I think shows the gravity of the situation that we’re facing.
“In the light of these most recent comments, will the First Minister potentially be reconsidering his intention to attend?”
The First Minister wasn’t available to attend FMQS in person as he has tested positive for Covid. Lesley Griffiths MS, standing in for Mr Drakeford, said: “I’m unable to speak to him – he’s unwell – but I’m sure his office will have heard your questions. So, I don’t really feel I can answer that.”
Later in the evening, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We condemn these shameful comments and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities everywhere.
“The First Minister and Cabinet have raised human and workers’ rights issues directly with the Qatari Ambassador to the UK and are engaging with LGBTQ+ fans and trades unions in Wales and across the world to help ensure fan safety. We stand with those striving for social justice and will go on promoting an open, progressive Wales that is committed to the values of inclusivity and equality.”