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.
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 Lisa Thompson on the BBC’s Apology Regarding Morocco’s Women’s World Cup Captain**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Lisa Thompson, sports journalist and commentator. Today we’re discussing a recent incident involving the BBC and the Moroccan women’s national soccer team. How do you view the question posed about homosexuality to Captain Ghazlin Chebak?
**Lisa Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The question was certainly concerning and inappropriate, given the context. It was a sensitive issue considering Morocco’s legal stance on homosexuality, which puts individuals at risk. By asking that, the reporter not only put Chebak in a difficult position but potentially jeopardized the safety of her teammates as well.
**Interviewer:** The BBC has issued an apology, indicating that they recognize the question was unsuitable. What do you think about their response?
**Lisa Thompson:** I think it’s crucial for media outlets to reflect on the implications of their questions, especially in politically charged environments. The BBC’s apology is a step in the right direction, acknowledging that they have a responsibility to protect those they report on. Yet, this incident highlights a larger issue in sports journalism—understanding the cultural context is essential.
**Interviewer:** Critics have pointed out that while it’s important to discuss the intersection of sports and politics, questions must be tactful. How can journalists balance this delicate line?
**Lisa Thompson:** It’s all about finding the right approach. Journalists must ask questions that are relevant to the context without crossing into territories that could endanger participants. They can still address important social issues, but they should do so in a way that prioritizes the well-being of individuals involved.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be a growing call for responsible journalism, especially concerning topics like LGBTQ+ rights in regions where they are restrictive. What role do you think sports media should play?
**Lisa Thompson:** Sports media has a significant platform and, with that, a profound responsibility. They should strive to advocate for equity and inclusion while remaining sensitive to the cultural dynamics at play. It’s about amplifying voices without putting individuals at risk; finding that balance is key.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lisa, for your insights. The world of sports journalism clearly requires careful navigation, especially in global events like the Women’s World Cup.
**Lisa Thompson:** Absolutely. A thoughtful approach can contribute to greater awareness and understanding, making a meaningful impact beyond the field. Thank you for having me!
