In the lead up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Fifa has required hotels in the country to welcome guests in a “non-discriminatory manner” or face termination of contracts.
Three of the 69 hotels on Fifa’s official list of recommended accommodation deny entry to same-sex couples, according to a Scandinavian media survey.
Twenty hotels on the list said they would allow same-sex couples as long as they were not open about being gay, and 33 hotels had no problem with same-sex couples.
In Qatar, homosexuality is illegal and Fifa said that since being made aware of the report, it had been in touch with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
The SC said it “will ensure that the hotels mentioned are once again made aware of our strict requirements in relation to welcoming guests in a non-discriminatory manner.
“Hotels, as well as any other service provider associated with the Fifa World Cup, who fail to comply with the high standards set by the organisers will have their contracts terminated.
“On top of that, the said requirements will continue to be reinforced in awareness-raising sessions and subsequently monitored and evaluated through audits and inspections of hotels linked to the Fifa World Cup.
“Qatar is fully aware of its responsibility to adhere to Fifa’s expectations and requirements on human rights, equality and non-discrimination. Qatar is committed to ensuring that everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament in a safe and welcoming environment, to building bridges of cultural understanding and to creating an inclusive experience for all participants, attendees and local communities, including from the LGBTQI+ community.”
The SC said that Qatar is a “conservative country” but was “committed to delivering an inclusive Fifa World Cup experience that is welcoming, safe and accessible to all.”
The three hotels mentioned in the report were Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, The Torch Doha and Magnum Hotel & Suites.
“While observing and respecting the law of Qatar, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha does not in any way discriminate against guests of any background and aspires to deliver the highest guest satisfaction, which will only be possible by treating everyone fairly and equally,” the hotel told Reuters.
