Fifa told it is 'critical' homophobia is made an offence before 2018 World Cup

Fifa’s official anti-discrimination partner has warned it is “critical” homophobia is added as an offence to its disciplinary code before the World Cup.

Ahead of Friday’s draw for next summer’s finals in Russia, the head of FARE – which helps football’s world governing body operate its anti-discrimination monitoring system – said openly-gay fans faced “danger” if they held hands during a tournament staged in a country which recently outlawed the promotion of homosexuality to minors.

They also face abuse inside stadiums, with several qualified countries having been repeatedly punished for homophobic chanting by their supporters.

Fifa’s disciplinary code specifically outlaws abuse concerning race, colour, language, religion or origin, with any breaches by spectators punished with a fine of at least £23,000 for the relevant national association, with ejection from the World Cup the ultimate sanction.

But there is no mention of abuse due to sexual orientation, with Fifa having fined the Brazilian, Argentine and Mexican football associations over homophobic chants, using the offence of improper conduct, which has no such minimum tariff.

Piara Powar, FARE’s executive director, called on the governing body to close that loophole ahead of a tournament in which his network will deploy two representatives at every game to report any breaches of the code.

“There is no offence of homophobia in Fifa’s rules and we have made clear that there should be,” he said.

“It is critical there is a clear message about Fifa’s ability to act in these cases against the fans that are responsible.”

Powar also revealed FARE would be producing a guide to advise Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) fans – Russia also has a major racism problem – and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) supporters how to conduct themselves at the World Cup.

“The guide will advise gay people to be cautious in any place which is not seen to be welcoming to the LGBT community,” he said.

“The same message is there for black and ethnic minority fans – do go to the World Cup, but be cautious.

“If you have gay fans walking down the street holding hands, will they face danger in doing so? That depends on which city they are in and the time of day.

“The guide will also include some detailed explanations of, for example, the actual situation of the LGBT community in Russia.

“It is not a crime to be gay but there is a law against the promotion of homosexuality to minors. Issues relating to the LGBT community are not part of the public discourse.

“Gay people have a place in Russia which is quite hidden and underground.”