The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that gay fans will be welcome at the 2022 World Cup,  but demanded that visitors “respect our culture”.

The Emir’s words reflect what local organisers have maintained throughout the protracted build-up to this year’s World Cup – that the LGBT community will be welcome in Qatar, but that the local culture must be respected.

In Qatar, homosexuality remains a criminal offence.

A recent survey by a Scandinavian media group showed that three of the sixty-nine hotels on FIFA’s official list of recommended accommodations would deny entry to same-sex couples...