The world broadcasting organization BBC has apologized on behalf of one of its reporters for a question about homosexuality in the squad of the ongoing Women’s World Cup to the captain of Morocco.
Morocco’s women’s soccer team, a Muslim-majority country, is the first Arab country to qualify for the World Cup. Critics claim that the question posed to Ghazlin Chebak in the pre-match press conference has potentially put the safety of the squad at risk.
Homosexuality between men or women is a crime in this North African country, with a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine.
This led a BBC World Service reporter to ask captain Chebak before his team’s opening match against Germany: ‘It is illegal to have homosexual relations in Morocco. Are there any gay players in your squad and how is their life in Morocco?’
A FIFA official, the organizer of the press conference, intervened, saying: ‘Sorry this is a very political question so we will only discuss football related questions.’
But the journalist insisted: ‘It’s not political, it’s about people. Please allow him to answer.’ At this point Chebak smiled and nodded.
Moroccan female fans watch the live broadcast of the Qatar Soccer World Cup 2022 semi-final match between Morocco and France in Nairobi on December 14, 2022 (AFP)
The BBC has apologized after the incident. A spokesperson for the agency told CNN: ‘We know the question was inappropriate. We have no intention of harming or traumatizing anyone.’
The media there were shocked by the conversation and some took to social media to condemn the question mark.
The Athletic’s reporter Steph Yang tweeted: ‘From a harm reduction perspective, this is not a fair question for a player and could put the players themselves at risk.
“We are obviously going to talk about the intersection of politics and sport at this World Cup and it is very important to do that. But we must be careful that our questions do not further harm those who are influenced by politics.’
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Meanwhile, Canadian news channel CBC journalist Shereen Ahmed tweeted: ‘The reporter completely crossed the line. Matters of loss reduction and raising questions to the captain or coach were unnecessary. The question was denied by a FIFA media officer, but it should not have been asked.
‘This is not a press freedom issue. You can question social rules in different places without putting people at risk. Journalists have a duty to exercise fairness, accuracy and caution. If reporting harms anyone, it is not only unethical but dangerous.’
Morocco is not only the first Arab nation to compete in the Women’s World Cup, but if defender Nohaila Benzina gets game time at the tournament, she will become the first player to wear a hijab in the global showpiece.
Chebak said in response to another question: ‘We have the honor of being the first Arab country to participate in the Women’s World Cup. We feel that we have a great responsibility to show a good image and to show the progress that the Moroccan football team has made by qualifying for the World Cup.’
The Atlas Lions battled hard in their opening match but eventually lost 6-0 to Germany, one of the pre-tournament favourites.
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**Interview with Sports Journalist Sarah El-Fassi on the Recent Controversy Surrounding Morocco’s Women’s Soccer Team and the BBC Incident**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Let’s dive straight into the recent incident during the Women’s World Cup press conference involving Morocco’s team captain, Ghazlin Chebak. What is your take on the question raised by the BBC reporter?
**Sarah El-Fassi:** Thank you for having me. This incident highlights a significant misunderstanding of the cultural and political context surrounding Morocco and its laws. The reporter’s question about homosexuality in the squad was not only inappropriate but also dangerous. In Morocco, discussions related to LGBTQ+ issues can have severe consequences, given the criminalization of homosexual relations.
**Interviewer:** The BBC has since apologized for the question. Do you think such apologies are enough to address the potential risks posed to the players?
**Sarah El-Fassi:** While the apology is a step in the right direction, it might not fully mitigate the potential fallout from the incident. It raises the question of media responsibility, especially when covering sensitive topics in countries with strict laws and cultural norms. The safety of the players should always come first, and journalists must be aware of how their inquiries can impact the individuals they are asking about.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned cultural sensitivity. How can journalists better navigate such topics in the future?
**Sarah El-Fassi:** Journalists should engage in thorough research and utilize local expertise when covering sensitive subjects. Understanding the cultural landscape and the implications of certain questions is crucial. There is a fine line between holding individuals and societies accountable for their laws and ensuring the safety of those on the ground. It’s about finding a way to discuss important issues without putting people at risk.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen a strong reaction on social media following the incident. What does that indicate about the interaction between sports, politics, and public sentiment?
**Sarah El-Fassi:** The backlash on social media shows that there is a growing awareness and intolerance for questions that could jeopardize players’ safety. The intersection of sports and politics in contexts like this is complex and requires sensitivity. Fans and commentators alike are beginning to call for a more nuanced approach to journalism, one that respects the circumstances of those involved while still addressing critical issues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for your insights. It’s clear that the role of the media in sports can significantly influence the safety and wellbeing of athletes, especially in esteemed platforms like the World Cup.
**Sarah El-Fassi:** Absolutely. Thank you for highlighting this important issue. As the global community becomes more interlinked, we must prioritize empathy and context in our discussions, particularly surrounding sports and activism.
**Interviewer:** We appreciate your time today.
