The BBC has apologised after one of its reporters asked Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak what the broadcaster admits was an “inappropriate” question regarding gay players at the Women’s World Cup.
Before Morocco were beaten 6-0 by Germany in their tournament opener in Melbourne, a journalist from the BBC’s World Service asked Chebbak: “In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship. Do you have any gay players in your squad and what’s life like for them in Morocco?”
Same-sex relationships in Morocco can lead to prison terms of up to three years and fines.
The question, which took place in a pre-match press conference, was shut down by a Fifa moderator, who said it was a “very political question” and asked reporters to “just stick to questions relating to football”.
“No, it’s not political,” the journalist said in response.
“It’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question.”
The BBC said via a spokesperson: “We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress.”
LGBT+ rights continues to be a major talking point at this World Cup, with players unable to wear rainbow armbands because they are not officially sanctioned by Fifa.
Instead, squads– including England’s Lionesses – have been wearing approved armbands reflecting a “range of social causes” including support for indigenous peoples, gender equality, inclusion and education for all.
A number of players, led by the Germany squad, had expressed a wish to wear OneLove armbands as a direct statement of support to the LGBT+ community, but they would now be at risk of a booking for wearing any unapproved items.
Several LGBT+ players also spoke out against the planned sponsorship of “Visit Saudi” at the tournament, which Fifa eventually axed amidst a backlash.
This is Morocco’s first appearance at the World Cup and they are led by forward Ghizlane Chebbak. She is the daughter of legendary Moroccan midfielder Larbi Chebbak, who steered the country to the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976.
They are still to play South Korea and Colombia after being on the receiving end of the biggest statement of the tournament so far from Germany. Alexandra Popp scored twice as the beaten Euro 2022 finalists secured the biggest win yet at the 2023 World Cup.
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