FIFA-ranked referee Igor Benevenuto becomes first to come out as gay

Igor Benevenuto is a FIFA-ranked referee

Brazilian referee Igor Benevenuto has become the first FIFA-ranked referee in history to publicly come out as gay. The 41-year-old came out while appearing on a Globoesporte podcast and expressed his delight at being able to share the news and that he can finally be himself.

Benevenuto said he 'hated' football growing up

During the podcast, Benevenuto admitted that the struggle of hiding his sexuality made him 'hate' football when growing up. He said: "Football is a sport which I grew up hating deeply. "I couldn't stand the atmosphere, the macho culture and the prejudice disguised as horseplay. To survive among the circle of kids who always used to play I put together a character, a masked version of myself. "Football was a man's game, and from an early age I knew I was gay. There couldn't have been a better place to hide my sexuality. But playing wasn't a feasible long-term option, so I went for the only road open: I became a referee. "I am 41, and 23 of those years have been dedicated to the whistle. Until today I've never been the real me. Gays are used to not being themselves. "We tone down our attitudes to not disappoint the hetero world's expectations. I spent my entire life sacrificing who I am to protect myself from the physical and emotional violence of homophobia. And I entered one of the most hostile environments for a homosexual. That's why I say that I hated football." Benevenuto added that the news means he won't have to hide behind his identity and can be himself. "From this day onward I will never again be one of the other versions of Igor that I created," the 41-year-old continued. "I will not be the referee Igor character, the character I was for friends, for family, the neighbours, for the straight society. "I will just be Igor, a gay man, who respects people and their choices. No masks. Just Igor. Without a filter and finally myself."

FIFA reiterate that "football is for everyone"

FIFA also responded to the news and welcomed Benevenuto's announcement, insisting that "football is for everyone." It said: "FIFA welcomes and supports referee Igor Benevenuto and his decision to come out. 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." Related links:

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