Welsh Deputy Sport Minister Dawn Bowden will not attend Wales' World Cup match against Iran on 25 November, citing recent protests in the country. The decision was made by the Welsh government, which stated that ministers will only attend games against the USA and England, where they can 'share our interests and values'.
First Minister Mark Drakeford and Economy Minister Vaughan Gething are still expected to attend other matches. The Welsh government emphasised that the boycott of the Iran game is unrelated to broader debates about the Qatar tournament, which has faced criticism over human rights issues including laws against same-sex relationships and treatment of women and foreign workers.
Iran has been condemned internationally for its response to protests sparked by the death of a young woman arrested by morality police. The Welsh government said: 'Welsh ministers will not be attending the Iran game and will be supporting Wales from home.'
Some gay Welsh fans have said they will stay away from the tournament, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticised Mark Drakeford's decision to attend. However, Plaid Cymru MS Elin Jones defended the First Minister, stating it was 'absolutely' right for him to be there to support the team.
Welsh Labour MP Chris Bryant retweeted a report critical of LGBT treatment in Qatar, saying no UK officials should attend. Welsh Conservative sport spokesman Tom Giffard called the Labour party's stance 'hypocrisy', while Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds welcomed the boycott of the Iran match.
