Igor Benevenuto, a Brazilian referee, is now the first FIFA-ranked referee in football history to declare himself as gay. Benevenuto, 41, revealed that he is gay at a Globoesporte podcast and expressed happiness that he is finally ready to be himself. Benevenuto said he ‘hated’ football growing upDuring the podcast, Benevenuto revealed that growing up with the battle of disguising his sexuality caused him to ‘detest’ football. During the podcast, Benevenuto revealed that growing up with the battle of disguising his sexuality caused him to ‘detest’ football. That’s why I say I despise football.”FIFA reiterate that “football is for everyone”“FIFA welcomes and supports referee Igor Benevenuto and his decision to come out,” FIFA said in a statement to GloboEsporte.

Source: Indian Express August 08, 2022 13:47 UTC