Qatar has been under fire for some time because of the organization of the World Cup men's football. Among many things, there is fear for the situation of LGBT+ supporters who publicly show affection. Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Qatar.
Although the country previously indicated that everyone would be welcome, a World Cup ambassador called homosexuality a "mental damage". According to Human Rights Watch, LGBT+ people are arbitrarily arrested and detained without trial.
Other countries are also making statements. For example, instead of the rainbow flag, the KNVB opts for a "OneLove" bracelet, which stands for combating "all forms of discrimination". However, that campaign has partly failed after two players refused to wear the bracelet because of religious beliefs.
