Emma Hayes wants Saudi Arabia to guarantee gay rights before the World Cup

Emma Hayes is concerned about LGBTQ rights in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Getty Images/Harriet Lander

FIFA should ask Saudi Arabia for guarantees on LGBT safety+ players and fans before considering choosing a Gulf country to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) technical director of women's football Monica Staab said in London this week that the country, in addition to competing in the 2034 men's World Cup, should aim to host a women's tournament next year. That would put Britain and Saudi Arabia on a collision course with the country, which is also hoping to host the 2035 women's championship.

Awarding the men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia would be quite controversial given human rights concerns in the country. record, but the women's event could become even more controversial in light of the state's record on women's rights.

Additionally, homosexuality is illegal in the Kingdom, and unlike men's football, where only a handful of professional players have felt able to come out, there are a large number of openly LGBTQ people. women players around the world.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation women's football technical director Monica Staab wants the country to push to accept Women's World Cup 2035. Photo: AFP/Fayez Nureldin

Asked what she thought about the prospects of Saudi Arabia hosting the women's tournament in 2035, Hayes said: «I think a lot of work needs to be done before a decision is made on that.»

» Everyone must be attentive.» that many issues would need to be resolved before the competition could be held anywhere. I can't say that nothing has changed, because wherever you go, I think there are different problems.

“However, in order to host the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, of course there has to be some kind of that's a really high level. conversations in and around: “How do you see this, knowing your laws and your thoughts about homophobia?”

“I hope the authorities are thinking about this and they represent everyone in the women's game.” to make sure it's safe for everyone to go and play, but also to make sure no one gets arrested or treated differently for it.»

Hayes spoke ahead of Chelsea's meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women's Super League on Sunday.