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 İbrahim Dinēdağ 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 representing over 17,000 LGBT athletes, sports organisers and officials across Europe says of the incident:
“We are appalled by the decision of the Turkish FA in relation to Mr Dinēdağ and call upon UEFA to support his appeal against this blatant act of discrimination. The EGLSF firmly believes that sports such as football, which have a high visibility across Europe, should be at the forefront of Human Rights and Equalities campaigning, not perpetuating stereotypes about the fitness of gay men to participate or officiate in the game. We wholeheartedly support Mr Dinēdağ’s call for others who are being discriminated against to stand tall and we will encourage our members to do the same.”