World Cup legacy should be decriminalisation of homosexuality - Footballers

The head of the professional football players' union, Stephen McGuinness, has said that the legacy of the World Cup in Qatar should be the decriminalisation of homosexuality in that country.

In the build up to the World Cup, which begins next Sunday, Qatar has been criticised for its stance on same sex relationships and its human rights record.

Mr McGuinness, who was in South America last week at FIFPRO, an international players’ union gathering, told RTÉ News that there is a feeling from the players that they want their voices to be heard.

"They find that with FIFA, and with UEFA at times, that their voice is used at times when it suits the big governing bodies.

"I think there is a groundswell of support in relation to LGBTQ+.

"The legacy left from Qatar should be that the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ ... should be gone.

"For me the world has changed and football has changed the world. It’s the world’s game and I think there’s no reason why football shouldn’t be the reason why Qatar needs to open up and look at what’s going on around the world and be part of it, and move with it and really get behind the times."

Players, through their international body FIFPRO, have asked for clear messages about inclusivity to come out of the World Cup.

Captains from many of the participating countries have vowed to wear a 'one love' rainbow armband during the tournament as part of an anti-discrimination initiative in support of the LGBTQ+ community even if it is not approved by FIFA.

It seems that the players, rather than the governing bodies are ready to take action to highlight issues of concern.

"I think players do have to do it because the governing body have political decisions that they make, and there’s financial decisions that they make.

"I