24 July 2023 , 08:21
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A FIFA representative was forced to intervene during Morocco's Women's World Cup press conference after a reporter's 'unethical' question.
Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak faced the media ahead of the North African nation’s historic World Cup debut, but the moment was overshadowed after one reporter asked whether there were gay players in the Moroccan squad.
The journalist, understood to be from BBC World News Service, asked: “We know that gay marriage is illegal (in Morocco), are there any gay players in the team, and what is it like for them."
The question was shut down by a FIFA moderator, who reminded media that they were not there to discuss politics. The country are not just making history as debutants in the tournament, but defender Nouhaila Benzina will become the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s football tournament.
It's the first ever time an Arab country has ever qualified for the Women's World Cup. In Morocco, same-sex relationships for both men and women are illegal, with homosexuality punishable by up to three years in prison.
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A FIFA moderator shut down the question after captain Chebbak brushed it off, but Moroccan media in attendance were audibly shocked at the question, according to The Athletic, with journalist Steph Yang scathing of the question which risked the players' safety.
"One reporter here asked directly if there are gay players on the Moroccan squad, given same-sex relationships are illegal in Morocco," she wrote on Twitter.
"From a harm reduction perspective, this is not an appropriate question for a player and would have endangered the players themselves.
Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak faced the media (AFP via Getty Images)"We are obviously going to talk about the intersection of politics and sports at this World Cup, and it's vital to do so. But we should take care that our questions don't cause further harm to those impacted by those very politics."
CBC journalist from Canada, Shireen Ahmed, also took exception to the line of questioning. "The reporter was completely out of line. Harm reduction matters and posing the question to the captain or coach was unnecessary. The question was waved off by a FIFA media officer moderating but it shouldn't have been asked," she commented.
Chebbak commented every player was aware of the hugely historic moment for their country "We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women's World Cup," she added.
Morocco kick off their first Women's World Cup campaign on Monday against a strong Germany side, who are expected to be challenging for the title come the pointy end of the tournament.