World Cup 2022: Antoine Griezmann says LGBT+ community will always have his support no matter where he is in the world

during a Press conference of the French national team Forty-eight hours before the World Cup Round of 16 match in Qatar, player Antoine Griezmann confirmed his support for members of the LGBT+ community on Friday, December 2, when asked about the issue. “No matter where I am in the world, they know they will always have my support.” He argued in response to the journalist’s question.

The France attacking midfielder was then questioned about the possible embarrassment he felt at the idea of ​​playing in a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by law. He replied:

am i a little shy He and not. No matter where I am in the world, they know they will always have my support. Then I am a football player, this is my profession. My country is calling me to play in an international competition, so I am coming with pride and great desire. But like I said, they [les personnes LGBT+] has my full support and respect.

???? Antoine Griezmann: “Wherever I am in the world, the LGBT community knows that I support them and that… https://t.co/bfUcnnuHJj

– The Team (@THE TEAM)

Strong pressure on players to hold position

In recent weeks, pressure has mounted on France’s players to take a stand on the emirate’s controversial hosting of the World Cup, including human rights activists on men and homosexuality. In a column published on the site on Wednesday, November 9western france A group of associations and individuals called on the French team and the national authorities to condemn the violations of the rights of LGBT+ people committed by the Qatari authorities.

We are waiting for the realization that discrimination against LGBT people affects everyone, even Griezmann or Mbappé.Julien Pontes, a spokesman for the direct collective Rouge – which fights homophobia in football – insisted with Agence France-Presse condemning it. “Deaf Silence” French national team.

Silent until this stage of the competition, Antoine Griezmann was one of the most anticipated players on the issue, due to his previous positions in support of the LGBT+ community.

In May 2019, the French player actually did Cover From LGBT+ magazine stubbornAmidst controversy over ongoing homophobia in stadiums. He then argued: “Homophobia is not an opinion, but a crime. And from now on, if a player makes homophobic remarks on the ground, I think I will stop the match.”

Ahead of the international tournament, eight European teams announced that their captain would wear the ‘One Love’ rainbow armband, but abandoned the idea after threats of FIFA sanctions.

On this topic, France national team captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was strongly criticized for saying at a press conference on November 14 that he respects Qatar’s rules during the World Cup. “Do I agree or not” with his ideas.

While FIFA also assured that LGBT+ flags or clothing in the colors of the rainbow would be accepted in stadiums during the World Cup, in reality they were repeatedly confiscated by security forces after the start of the competition.