Gay former England footballer planning to come out blasts Qatar for being World Cup host

A GAY former England footballer planning to come out has blasted the decision to let Qatar host the World Cup.

The ex-Premier League ace is considering openly discussing his sexuality on TV.

And he believes the Gulf state’s anti-homosexuality laws should have prevented Fifa from staging the tournament there.

A source said: “He thinks it was wrong to decide the tournament should be played in Qatar when they criminalise gay sexual relationships.

“Obviously England will be taking part but he doesn’t blame them.

He’s heartened to see the current squad of players will support the LGBTQ movement and captain Harry Kane will wear the OneLove rainbow armband.

“He’s hoping there will be many acts of protest against Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.”

The decision to host the showpiece, kicking off next month, in the strict Muslim country has sparked fury from LGBTQ campaigners over its appalling human rights record.

Qatar has also been blasted over the deaths of migrant workers building football stadiums.

Earlier this month, Gary Lineker said he knew of two gay Premier League footballers and commented it would send a strong message to Qatar if they came out during the tournament.

The ex-England striker turned TV presenter added: “I know for a fact that some have been very close and contemplated it.”

Last week, campaigner Peter Tatchell, 70, said he was “arrested and detained on the kerbside” while staging a protest in Qatar’s capital Doha, although the state’s government denied it.