Out Brazilian Football Ref Contends 40% of Players are Not Straight
Brazilian FIFA official Igor Benevenuto believes up to 40% of those involved in football are gay or bisexual, the Daily Mail reported.
"The 41-year-old became the first FIFA-ranked referee in football history to come out as gay just last month."
Benevenuto added that he stayed in the closet for more than 20 years in order to fit in with his peers in the sport.
In an interview with the German publication Der Spiegel (link behind a paywall), he said that his number includes everyone in the sport, including officials, managers, players and referees.
"Thirty to forty per cent of them are homosexual or bisexual, or have done something at one time with another man."
He continued: "You would be surprised at just who is homosexual in this industry."
A veteran referee at 24 years, he reflected on having experienced prejudice in his home country.
"In Brazil homosexuality is seen as an illness similar to alcoholism, which can be overcome."
"I used to pray to God to free me from this illness," he said. "Sadly there is still prejudice. I don't expect the situation to completely alter during my lifetime. But I can still be a drop in the ocean of change."
Benevenuto came out last year during a Globo Esporte podcast. FIFA wrote a statement supporting Benevenuto. "As highlighted at other times, FIFA strongly believes that football is for everyone. And Igor striving to be true to himself is an important moment for football in Brazil and in other countries around the world."
"We hope this decision will encourage others and inspire greater diversity and inclusion in the 'beautiful game,'" the statement said.