The BBC has issued an apology for a reporter’s “inappropriate” question to the captain of the Moroccan women’s national team.
In a press conference held ahead of Morocco’s World Cup opener against Germany, one of BBC’s reporters asked Ghizlane Chebbak, the team captain whether there were gay players in the Moroccan World Cup squad, considering the country’s law against same-sex relationships.
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?
The journalist’s question to Chebbak
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The moderator in the press conference immediately shut down the question as it was termed as ‘political’. Another reporter for CBC Sports criticized the move by the BBC reporter saying it is bizarre and inappropriate to inquire about a player’s teammates’ sexual orientation and how it affects them when you are aware that such inquiries are prohibited. Because it can be harmful to them as well, the captain is unable to criticize the players or make policy comments.
The BBC through a spokesperson apologized for their reporter’s conduct and acknowledged that the question asked was inappropriate.
We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress.
BBC Statement on the Issue
Ghizlane Chebbak, the forward for Morocco, is the team’s captain in this, their first Women’s World Cup appearance. She is the child of the renowned Moroccan midfielder Larbi Chebbak, who led his nation to the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The Morrocan Law prohibits and criminalizes same-sex relationships. Same-sex relationships are punishable by up to three years in prison and fines of up to 1,000 dirhams (Ksh 39,000) under Article 489 of the country’s Penal Code.
