World Cup 2022: Sponsors respond to criticism for supporting event in anti-LGBTQIA+ country

Starting this Sunday, the 20th, the Çoops of the world of 2022in Qatar, continues to generate controversy, especially for failing to comply with human rights promised after being announced as the host country for the tournaments, not recommending “public displays of affection” by LGBTQ+ people.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and can carry up to seven years in prison. All LGBTQ+ people have been criminalised, with sexual activity between men in particular potentially resulting in the death penalty.

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In an official note to the HuffPost UKthe official sponsors of the world football tournament have declared their position vis-à-vis the position of the Muslim country in the Persian Gulf. Coke🇧🇷 Visa🇧🇷 McDonalds🇧🇷 adidas and Budweiser are among sponsors who weighed in on the restraining orders for the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar. Check out:

Coke

Just a few months ago, the Coke was an official sponsor of London and Brighton Pride 2022. At the time, the brand stated that “recognising, valuing and supporting employees of the LGBTQ+ community is an important priority”. It also released 136 Pride Digital Collectibles (NFTs).

A spokesman for Coke told us that they believe sport has the “unique potential to unite the world and be a force for good”. “We have supported football for a long time and, through our partnerships for events, such as the world Cupwe see the potential to inspire and bring people together.”

adidas

THE adidas released a whole range of Pride-themed merchandise this year, including the sneakers above, which were apparently “inspired by Stonewall activists for the 1969 Rising.” The brand has offered the official ball for football games since 1970 – and for the Qatar it won’t be different.

We believe that sport is for everyone. We strongly advocate unrestricted access for all visitors, regardless of nationality, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity. We hope that the World Cup will be fully accessible to all visitors.

Budweiser

THE World Cup 2022 got off to a rough start Budweiser, following the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the surroundings of the stadiums where the games will take place. Although alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, drinking in public without a license can result in arrest.

Even with the prohibition in stadiums, alcoholic beverages may be sold in FIFA Fan Festival, licensed venues where fans can gather to catch up on games. It is worth remembering how, in September 2022, Qatar stated how fans could buy beer three hours before the start of matches, but not during.

THE Budweiser, which is part of the largest brewery in the world, has sponsored the LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in London and has released several limited edition products for the community over the years. In a note, Ambev, the company responsible for the beer brand, “waits for the activations of the Budweiser in the FIFA World Cup™ around the world to celebrate football with our consumers.”

Some of the planned stadium activations cannot go ahead due to circumstances beyond our control.

hyundai

In June this year, the South Korean dealership hyundai said he “supports the journey of the LGBTQ+ community. Not just during Pride Month, but 365 days a year.” Even so, the company continues to be one of the partner brands for the world Cupwhich he has been doing since 1999.

Hyundai Motor believes in the power of sport to unite people of all nations and is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards. We hope that FIFA will continue its initiatives to fully respect human rights.”

Visa

In 2019, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation named the Visa as one of the “best places to work for LGBTQ+ equality”, which only makes the agreement with Qatar even more surprising. The company also regularly participates in Pride Parades on both sides of the Atlantic, and its corporate website states that it wants to create “a place where everyone is accepted everywhere”.

The FIFA World Cup brand ad states that Visa is “for fans everywhere”, although some fans might disagree. Visa acknowledged the questions asked by the British portal, but declined the opportunity to comment.

McDonalds

The corporate website of the world’s most famous fast food company has an entire section dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion. “’Livin It’ is an ethos that informs everyone that they deserve to belong and be welcomed warmly, honestly and openly.”

However, McDonald’s did not respond to comments about its World Cup involvement for the HuffPost UK🇧🇷