Blinken criticises FIFA who stopped tape for LGBTQ

Speaking after the match between the US and Wales at the World Cup, which ended with a score of 1:1, Blinken said no team should be forced to choose between participating in the World and “supporting its values”.

England, Germany and five other European teams canceled plans to hold strips inspired by the rainbow flag and the motto “A love” due to threats of disciplinary punishment from FIFA.

Just a few hours before the first game began, where the players were warned to hold these strips Monday, the world's governing football body, FIFA, warned that the players would immediately be punished with yellow cardboard two yellow cards make the players exempt from that match and the next match.

These strips were described as symbolic protest of laws in Qatar, World Cup executive, where homosexuality is illegal. FIFA's decision to stop the tape has been criticised in Europe.

When asked about this decision after meeting with Qatar Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Blendken said: “is always disturbing when you see any restrictions on freedom of expression, especially when this expression has to do with”.

No one in the football field should be forced to choose between supporting its values and playing”, he added.

Blinken, who is also a football fan, arrived in Doha on Monday for a 24-hour visit that included participation in the first US World match “Catar 2022”.

Qatar's minister said his country, which has spent over $200 billion on infrastructure and other preparations for the World Cup, has become the victim of prejudices on conditions in the country.

FIFA has not answered questions about these US diplomat statements. / REL