FIFA’s chief football officer Jill Ellis has criticised anti-LGBTQ legislation in the United States, following criticism of the Women’s Club World Cup potentially being held in Qatar.
Qatar interested in hosting Club World Cup
The Guardian reported earlier this month that Qatar is in contention to host the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 2028.
Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup in 2022 and faced criticism for its human rights record and its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Hosting the Women’s Club World Cup would also be controversial, given the number of openly LGBTQ+ players and coaches working in the women’s game.
Ellis says she has not heard anything about Qatar potentially hosting the tournament. She added that the FIFA Council would have to vote on who hosts the tournament.
Jill Ellis criticises anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the USA
During a press briefing, Jill Ellis pointed out the number of bills in the USA which are anti-LGBTQ+, in response to criticism of Qatar potentially hosting the Club World Cup.
She said: “There are over 500 bills in the US with anti-gay legislation on them. That was last year when I started researching. I say that because I also think more broadly, we all have to look at how we can continue to create different perceptions.
“I think sport is a powerful conduit to do that. That’s just me putting my [personal] thing on. I will assure you that, but I also come from the US. Right now, there’s a big light being shone on that. I’m very, very careful not to throw stones in glass houses. We certainly will look at all of the bidding that comes in.
“Sport has an incredible ability to transform, educate, and enlighten. I think the more people that can have access to this incredible game and see women play it, it’s for the betterment of everybody. That’s my personal opinion.”
The American Civil Liberties Union said there were 616 legislative bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights in the United States in 2025.
English-born coach Ellis, won the World Cup twice as the US women’s national team head coach, in 2015 and 2019.
The Women’s World Cup will take place between January 5th and 30th in 2028. It will feature 16 teams, with at least five from Europe.
A smaller-format competition, the new women’s Champions Cup, gets underway on 28 January in London, with games to be held at Brentford and Arsenal.
Arsenal could win the trophy in front of their home fans, with the competition also featuring Gotham FC, Corinthians and AS Far.
