Josh Cavallo thinks playing at the Qatar World Cup could put his life in danger
The 22-year-old says it's his dream to represent Australia at the World Cup.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Leon Tran
Josh Cavallo says it’s his dream to play in the World Cup for Australia, but also admits that if he were to go to the 2022 Cup in Qatar, he would be concerned about his own safety.
The 22-year-old Adelaide player, who came out last year, has previously said he would be “scared” to play in Qatar given the country’s treatment of LGBTQ people.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the young footballer says he’d “definitely” go to the World Cup in Qatar if he was asked to.
“I want to show it’s okay for everyone. It’s not just okay for Josh Cavallo because he’s a footballer and he’s protected, I want it to be okay for that everyday person.”
Although, this hasn’t stopped him from thinking about his safety if he did go.
“It does concern me,” he said. “If I represent Australia at the World Cup – and I’m pushing for that – it would be an honour but at the same time, the laws clash,” he says.
Homosexuality is illegal in the Middle-Eastern country and punishable with up to three years in prison, or death under Sharia law.
Josh continues, “I want to do something really good in my career – I’ve always dreamed of playing for my country at the World Cup – but do I want my life to be in danger?”
In a recent interview for Attitude, Josh says sharing his sexuality has improved his performance on the pitch.
He also says he wants to keep on being a role model for others.
“There are millions and millions of people around the world that are coming out and feeling like they have a place on this earth because of my story. Hate doesn’t affect me – it just motivates me to be a better representative, to keep striving, to keep being a role model.”
The Attitude July/August issue is out now.