Homophobia as a weapon of war

5-0 victory for Stonewall Lions England over SAFgay Argentina

London – 31 August 2008

England teams won a clean sweep of all three titles in the Gay World Football Championship yesterday (Saturday 30 August) at Leyton Orient’s league ground, the Matchroom Stadium, in London.

Stonewall Lions FC won the gay world title, defeating the Argentine team SAFgay FC, 5-0.

During the gay world championships, played in London over the last week, Stonewall won a total of 43 goals and conceded none.

Leicester Wildecats FC won the World Second Division title.

Hackney Women’s FC won the World Women’s League title.

“It is an amazing achievement that England has won all three titles,” said Mikey Collins, chair of the championship organisers. “We’ve firmly established our country as the number one gay football nation in the world. It been a fantastic week of competition, friendship, fun and sporting success,” he said.

Stonewall FC previously won the Gay Football World Championship in 2002 and 2006, and won the European Gay Football Championship in July.

The gay championship was organised by the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) and was backed by the Football Association.

Forty teams from all over the world competed.

Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell backed the London IGLFA 2008 gay world championships:

“England’s gay teams have pulled off a triple whammy. They’ve swept the championships. To win all three titles is an astonishing achievement. In gay football, England is the best in the world.

“I wish Fabio Capello’s team had a bit of the Stonewall Lions FC magic. This victory is some compensation for the England national side’s underperformance, including its recent dismal match against the Czech Republic.

“The gay championship has bought together gay football teams from across the world; encouraging more gay people to get involved in football and, through the spending power of visiting teams and spectators, has benefited the London economy.

“Gay footballers challenge the machismo and homophobia that is often associated with football in many parts of the world. By helping break down stereotypes and barriers, they are great ambassadors for the lesbian and gay community. My congratulations and thanks to all the teams that took part,” said Mr Tatchell.

ENDS


	England win Gay World Football Championship 5-0 victory for Stonewall Lions England over SAFgay Argentina London – 31 August 2008 England teams won a clean sweep of all three titles in the Gay World Football Championship yesterday (Saturday 30 August) at Leyton Orient’s league ground, the Matchroom Stadium, in London. Stonewall Lions FC won the gay world title, defeating the Argentine team SAFgay FC, 5-0. During the gay world championships, played in London over the last week, Stonewall won a total of 43 goals and conceded none. Leicester Wildecats FC won the World Second Division title. Hackney Women’s FC won the World Women’s League title. “It is an amazing achievement that England has won all three titles,” said Mikey Collins, chair of the championship organisers. “We’ve firmly established our country as the number one gay football nation in the world. It been a fantastic week of competition, friendship, fun and sporting success,” he said. Stonewall FC previously won the Gay Football World Championship in 2002 and 2006, and won the European Gay Football Championship in July. The gay championship was organised by the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) and was backed by the Football Association. Forty teams from all over the world competed. Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell backed the London IGLFA 2008 gay world championships: “England’s gay teams have pulled off a triple whammy. They’ve swept the championships. To win all three titles is an astonishing achievement. In gay football, England is the best in the world. “I wish Fabio Capello’s team had a bit of the Stonewall Lions FC magic. This victory is some compensation for the England national side’s underperformance, including its recent dismal match against the Czech Republic. “The gay championship has bought together gay football teams from across the world; encouraging more gay people to get involved in football and, through the spending power of visiting teams and spectators, has benefited the London economy. “Gay footballers challenge the machismo and homophobia that is often associated with football in many parts of the world. By helping break down stereotypes and barriers, they are great ambassadors for the lesbian and gay community. My congratulations and thanks to all the teams that took part,” said Mr Tatchell. ENDS