shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > Brazilian soccer referee comes out as gay hopes to inspire others

Brazilian soccer referee comes out as gay, hopes to inspire others

Updated on: 11 July,2022 10:01 AM IST  |  Mumbai
AP |

The 41-year-old Igor Benevenuto is one of the country's main video assistant referees, and he also takes charge of some matches in Brazil's top two divisions.

Brazilian soccer referee comes out as gay, hopes to inspire others

Representation pic. Source/PTI

A FIFA-ranked referee in Brazil says he hopes his announcement that he is gay will inspire others in soccer. The 41-year-old Igor Benevenuto is one of the country's main video assistant referees, and he also takes charge of some matches in Brazil's top two divisions. Benevenuto said he had used his referee's job to hide.


"Soccer was for men and since an early age I knew I was gay. There was not a more perfect place to hide my sexuality," Benevenuto told TV Globo in a show broadcast on Sunday. "Playing wasn't an option, so I took the only road I had." Benevenuto now wants his announcement to help others. "There are many gay people in soccer," he said, adding that the vast majority still feel they can't talk openly. "We exist and we deserve to speak about it, live normal lives."


Benevenuto lives in the city of Sete Lagoas in Minas Gerais state. He returned to his work as a nurse at a public hospital in the city when soccer came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilian referees are paid by the match and most are semi-professional. Jorge José Emiliano dos Santos (1954-1995) was a popular referee in Brazil and oversaw professional matches after saying he was gay. While same-sex marriage is legal in Brazil, it is still a dangerous country for members of the LGBTQ community, with hundreds of killings each year. 


This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK