Press Release

The European Gay and Lesbian Sports Federation (EGLSF) made clear its support today for FC Midtjylland, the Danish Superliga Club, which earlier this week sacked goalkeeper Arek Onyszko following homophobic comments made in his autobiography. These comments include the statement "I hate gays, I really do. I think it’s f****** disgusting to hear them talk to each other as if they are girls. I can’t be in the same room as someone who’s gay. Look at them kissing each other – it’s sickening." Co-President of the EGLSF Pepe Garcia-Vazquez says: “We welcome this move by FC Midtjylland to make a stand against such a public display [...]

This week the Irish and UK press has been full of news that one of the great stars of Irish Hurling has come out as gay. Donal Óg Cusack, the Cork Goalkeeper makes the revelation in his autobiography Come What May, published today by Penguin Ireland. Support from the sports governing body the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) has been met by a generally positive response throughout the country by hurling fans. Sandra Gowran, Director of Education Policy at the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network in Ireland says: “It is fantastic news. The GAA is a stronghold of traditional Ireland, so [...]

The European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation (EGLSF) today expressed grave concerns over reports by Kick It Out last month that a Turkish referee has been forced to step down after his homosexuality was revealed through a medical report. Halil ?brahim Dinçda? was forced to leave his job because he had been excused from his compulsory military service on account of his homosexuality, which was then documented. According to the sport's regulations, anyone who fails to complete his military service for health reasons is unfit to perform as a referee. Pepe Garcia Vazquez, Male Co-president of the EGLSF, an organisation [...]