Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo was recalled by the club. The gay man, Josh Cavallo, came out to Adelaide United last month and stated that he is’scared” of playing at the World Cup Qatar.
The 21-year-old became the only known current top-flight male football player in the world to come out as gay following his announcement.
After sharing an emotion-filled and highly-praised video in which he said he was over his shame and tired of trying to lead a double life, the Australian football community responded with a flood of support.
Recent high-profile campaigns by football administrators to support LGBT+ supporters and culture have been launched.
But critics have slammed Fifa’s decision to award the World Cup to countries such as Russia, where homophobia has been called a ‘state‑sponsored’ project, and Qatar.
Josh Cavallo, Adelaide United’s midfielder (pictured in action against Perth Glory during A-Leage), became the first known gay top-flight player to be out in October
Cavallo now says he is afraid for his safety in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup.
“I was reading something similar to that.” [they]Qatari gays face the death penalty, which is why I’m so scared [of]He said that he wouldn’t want to travel to Qatar to do so.
“That saddens and disturbs me. At the end of the day the World Cup is in Qatar and one of the greatest achievements as a professional footballer is to play for your country, and to know that this is in a country that doesn’t support gay people and puts us at risk of our own life, that does scare me and makes me re-evaluate – is my life more important than doing something really good in my career?’
He admitted to the 21-year-old that he was afraid for his safety if he took part in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup.
Homosexual acts are banned under Qatari law and punishments range from at least a year to a decade in prison, with a 2019 ‘danger index’ rating Qatar as the second most dangerous place to visit for LGBT+ travellers.
Sharia, which prohibits all sexual activities other than those of marriage, is applicable to Muslims in Pakistan. It can lead to death sentences.
Gay people could, therefore, face execution but several human rights reports have said there is no evidence to suggest this has happened.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Saudi-owned owners are being accused of trying “sportswash” the country’s human right record. The club’s sponsor has been criticised for turning a blind to homophobia with their silence regarding the takeover.
Newcastle were sold to a consortium made up of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media (pictured: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman)
The takeover has been savaged, with Crystal Palace supporters protesting with a large banner
Gary Lineker, a former England striker, and BBC Match of the Day host, led a flood of support for Cavallo, saying that he hopes the player’s actions will “erase the fear other may have” of coming out gay.
The former Tottenham and Barcelona football star said, “It’s absurd to think that coming out in football is a brave act to do.” “It is however, and Josh has done a great job.
“I am sure that the vast majority of football fans will be there to support him, and help erase any fears others might have.”
Barcelona, Pique and the ex-Spain centreback also paid tribute to Cavallo. Pique personally thanked Cavallo for his sincere video.
“Hello @JoshuaCavallo. I do not have the privilege to meet you but I would like to say thank you for taking this initiative.
In a four-part Instagram statement (pictured above), Cavallo said: ‘I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay,’
“The football world is still far away and we need your help to move ahead.”
Antoine Griezmann (Pique’s Barcelona ex-team-mate) meanwhile just tweeted: Proud Of You @JoshuaCavallo’, followed by a fist & heart emoji.
Only a handful of footballers, despite their immense popularity around the world, have ever come out as homosexual. This is mostly because they retired to prevent homophobic remarks from being made on the terraces.
Justin Fashanu, a British professional footballer who was still playing in 1990, became the first to do so. However, he did not find acceptance and took his own death in 1998.
Fashanu’s relatives set up the charity to help people with disabilities. Last year, a letter was sent by an anonymous gay player of the English Premier League. This highlighted how little had been done in order for football’s culture to change.
Cavallo, who has also played for fellow A-League side Western United and third-tier outfit Melbourne City NPL in Australia, said in his video: ‘There is something personal that I need to share with everyone. I am both a gay footballer.
“Growing up, I felt the need for hiding myself. I was embarrassed that I wouldn’t be able do what I loved and to be gay.
“Coming out to my family, my friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones has been amazing. It has been an incredible experience to receive the support.
On social media, the Australian posted a long and emotionally charged clip (left), in which he stated that he had been “hiding who is” and “living a double existence”.
“It is okay to play football and be yourself. You will gain more respect and appreciation from others, if anything. [by coming out]
According to the player, his life was an absolute disaster. He added that he felt trapped by it and that disclosing what he is afraid will only make it worse.
David Beckham recently came under fire over reports he has signed a deal worth £150million over 10 years to become the face of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and an ambassador for the emirate.
Criticised because he was associated with a country which has been accused over human rights violations in particular regarding its views towards gays and women.
The 46-year-old is said to have received reassurances that all fans will be treated well at the tournament before he agreed the £15m-a-year deal. However, criticisms still arose about the ex-england captain’s decision to put money before his principles.
David Beckham is believed to have agreed a £150million deal to be an ambassador for Qatar