THE British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has issued an apology to Morocco following their ‘inappropriate’ question to the team’s captain at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The question was asked during the pre-match press conference ahead of Morocco’s opening match against Germany.
A BBC News World Service reporter asked Ghizlane Chebbak a question that could jeopardise her teammate’s safety back home, forcing a FIFA official to intervene.
The reporter asked: “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?”
A FIFA press conference moderator interrupted: “Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”
The unrepentant journalist doubled down, insisting that Chebbak should answer: “No, it’s not political, it’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question.”
The Morocco captain did not answer the question and the press conference ended shortly after, with only one further question from the media.
It is the first time an Arab country has ever qualified for the Women’s World Cup.
In Morocco, same-sex relationships are illegal, with homosexuality punishable by up to three years in prison and fines of up between 120 and 1,000 dirhams (£25 and £212).
The BBC has apologised for the line of questioning, writing in a statement: “We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress.”
Morocco, the hosts and runners-up of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last year, went on to lose 6-0 to Germany in their opening game yesterday in Melbourne, Australia.
It is currently the heaviest defeat of the tournament and the Atlas Lionesses next face South Korea on July 30.
