News
Has FIFA failed its LGBTQ+ supporters?
With the Men’s World Cup due to kick off in Qatar this November, has FIFA failed its LGBTQ+ supporters?
It was 12 years ago when Qatar was awarded the right to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is due to kick off in November.
The men’s football championship dominates headlines and excites fans right around the world. Thousands will descend on the country to view the spectacle and millions more will watch from afar.
Sport is wonderful thing – often bringing communities together and challenging societal barriers. But there’s a dark cloud hanging over this year’s football event. This will be the first time the FIFA World Cup has been hosted by an Arab country.
There are concerns about the safety and wellbeing of fans travelling to a region that fails to protect a number of fundamental human rights.
In Qatar, homosexuality is illegal and punishable with up to 7 years in prison, or even death in some circumstances. At a sporting event where everyone is supposed to be welcome, many fans won’t necessarily feel safe – if they do decide to attend at all.
TICKER NEWS spoke with former football player Thomas Beattie. On 23 June 2020, Beattie came out as gay during an interview with ESPN. He was one of the first male professional footballers to do so.
Following a career-ending injury, the now 35-year-old said this incident was the trigger he needed to reveal his true self.
“It was big to learn to embrace every part of myself and be ok with it,” he said. “I used to go home and lay on my bed, praying it would all go away. I still think if I was playing now, I’d still not be out.”
Should the World Cup be held in Qatar?
When it comes to the World Cup in Qatar, Beattie is frustrated the pinnacle of men’s football was given to an Arab nation in the first place.
“I don’t think any global sporting event should be hosted in any country that doesn’t have equal rights across the board,” he said.
But FIFA is determined it will be just as spectacular as ever, promising inclusion will be at the forefront of every decision.
“We’ve received the necessary guarantees, we are training all the officials,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
“We are working hand in hand with the government, with the police authorities, everyone will be welcome.”
There is also hope that having the World Cup in Qatar will be a catalyst of change. Could this moment lead to policy reform and greater protections for the nation’s Queer community?
Regardless, all eyes will be on FIFA and Qatar as fans and players touch down in Doha in November. Will the tournament be remembered for all the right reasons or will it be shrouded in shame?
News
Coalition cracks deepen as Nationals break ranks over Labor reforms
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
Nationals senators defy party lines, voting against Labor’s reforms as Coalition faces internal rifts and leadership concerns.
A rift has emerged in the Coalition after three Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote against Labor’s post-Bondi hate group reforms, defying party lines and raising questions about their future in the shadow cabinet.
Their proposed amendment calling for greater scrutiny was rejected, and Labor’s legislation passed the Senate 38 votes to 22, cementing the reforms into law despite opposition pushback.
Coalition leadership will meet Wednesday to assess the political fallout, though some MPs consider the issue minor in terms of potential resignations. The incident highlights growing tensions within the party as internal discipline comes under pressure.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#AustralianPolitics #Coalition #Nationals #Labor #Senate #PoliticalDrama #TickerNews #BreakingPolitics
News
Trump escalates Greenland rhetoric as Davos leaders push back on sovereignty
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
Trump claims U.S. alone can ensure Arctic peace, sparking backlash as Greenland’s sovereignty faces geopolitical tensions at Davos.
President Trump has intensified his remarks over Greenland, claiming the U.S. is the only nation capable of ensuring peace in the Arctic, sparking sharp pushback from European leaders. His rhetoric, including hints at potential tariffs, comes as international attention turns to the strategic territory.
The debate has dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump confirmed plans to meet regarding Greenland following a positive conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Meanwhile, Greenland’s leadership has warned that the territory must be ready for potential military scenarios.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in from Davos, drawing a firm line on sovereignty, declaring Greenland’s independence non-negotiable. The unfolding standoff highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, with global powers increasingly staking their claims.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@UCiMroZIXuwlSh1r5wZdeU6Q
#Trump #Greenland #Geopolitics #Davos #WorldEconomicForum #NATO #GlobalPolitics #TickerNews
News
OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#OpenAI #SmartSpeaker #AIHardware #TechNews #Innovation #Manufacturing #AIRevenue #FutureTech
-
Ticker Views2 days agoDOJ to charge Don Lemon under historic KKK Act
-
Ticker Views21 hours ago
Backlash over AI “Indigenous Host” sparks ethical debate
-
Money3 days ago
Markets edge higher as 10-year yields hit new highs
-
News2 days ago
OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
-
Politics3 days ago
Supreme Court tariffs and Albanese approval drop: What you need to know
-
News3 days ago
NASA’s Artemis II launch: Argentina joins first crewed moon mission in 50 years
-
News3 days ago
EU condemns Trump’s Greenland tariff threats: Trade tensions escalate
-
Ticker Views3 days ago
Why traditional flood warnings keep failing
