Qatar will allow pride flags to be hoisted at the World Cup Israel today

The Gulf State has announced that despite its views on LGBT rights, it will align itself with the FIFA Equality Laws in the prestigious tournament

• Pride flags in the English league.

  A fundamental change in Qatar as well

  Photography: 

  Gettyimages

The introduction and hoisting of pride flags will be approved in stadiums at the 2022 World Cup after Qatar has announced that it will abide by FIFA rules that promote tolerance in football matches despite the country’s strict anti-LGBT laws.

Less than two years until the tournament, the World Football Organization's concerns about dealing with fans from the proud community in Qatar continue because of the conservative code of ethics that prohibits same-sex relationships that conflict with FIFA's position against homophobia. 

"We see a progressive change in all these aspects and the rainbow flags, T-shirts are welcome in the stadium - that's a fact. In Qatar we understand very well that this is our position," said Joyce Cook, FIFA's chief social worker.

The general manager of the 2022 World Cup, Nasser al-Khattar, spoke on the subject and said: "When it comes to the pride flags in FIFA stadiums there are their own guidelines, they have their own rules and regulations, whatever we respect them. We have a conservative country but we are a welcoming country. "We understand the difference in the cultures of the people. Everyone will be welcomed and treated with respect."

This news comes after the US State Department's latest human rights report highlighted how LGBT people hid their tendency in the Gulf state, their gender identity or gender characteristics because of the prevailing discrimination pattern.