World’s only openly gay active pro footballer is concerned for LGBTQ community ahead of Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“It’s very important for me to go to a World Cup like this, because it’s a big challenge,” he said.
“But it’s great to have this as a dream to achieve and to fight for.”
World’s only openly gay active pro footballer fears he risks being outed by family members and teammates if he returns to Qatar and starts playing again after Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“I didn’t really want to get hurt, but now everything is changing and it’s in my hands, unfortunately, but I’m 100 per cent confident,” he said.
“I am a strong person, I’ve seen what I could get out of football and I had a lot out of it.
“But I’m scared of playing again so I think that’s the best thing, is to not play anymore.”
‘It’s a good feeling’
Khelaifi is a midfielder for Kuwait and has played for five international teams in an 11-year international career.
He said he is not sure he could cope with being out during another World Cup but that he will think about the issue before it is too late.
“No, I don’t know, but I am 100 per cent sure I am with my parents and nobody can take any advantage and I will do what is needed to keep me calm and not get involved in something,” he said.
“It’s a good feeling to play for Qatar without any problem and I have nothing to hide about.”
Khelaifi is aware of the potential risk he faces if Qatar 2022 World Cup is played in Qatar in 2022 and is worried that he could be identified by friends and family members when he returns.
“It’s a bad deal, but there are not many other options and I want to go, I love the country and I love playing for Qatar,” he said.
“It’s normal to be nervous, but it’s normal to be nervous. I will stay calm and will not let anyone know that I’m back in Qatar.
“I am doing it for my country. If I say I’m not coming because of my situation,
