The question was asked before Morocco’s game against Germany.
The BBC have issued an apology after a reporter asked Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak an “inappropriate” question about gay players at the Women’s World Cup.
While speaking to the media before their game against Germany, a journalist from the BBC’s world feed 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?”
Before Chebbak could acknowledge the question a FIFA moderator quickly responded: “Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”
The journalist then fired back, saying: “No, it’s not political, it’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question.”
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s almost in disbelief reaction to the question, says it all.
A completely unethical out of line question that poses safety concerns to the players he asking to be named.
Bizarre push followed.
https://t.co/MKk84O774E— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) July 24, 2023
BBC have now released a statement
Same-sex marriage is considered illegal in Morocco and can be punishable by spending up to three years in prison and issuing fines.
After the question went viral, many called out the journalist and claimed he could have impacted Chebbak and her teammates’ safety in their home country.
Since the incident on Sunday occurred, the BBC have now released a statement apologising for the question. The broadcaster said:
“We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress.”
Morocco lost their opening game of the Women’s World Cup – which they are competing at for the first time in the nation’s history – 6-0 against Germany.
Check out our House of Football interview with the Irish women’s team record goal scorer Olivia O’Toole:
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