Collin Martin: The gay footballer planning to play at the Qatar World Cup

The upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar has sparked a lot of debate since it was controversially awarded by FIFA.

This year, though, the debate has grown more intense, particularly due to the country's stance on homosexuality and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Former MLS player Collin Martin is one player who could find himself with a decision to make.

The 27-year-old has played for both D.C. United and Minnesota United in MLS, and now played with San Diego Loyal in the USL Championship

Martin was applauded for his bravery when he came out as gay back in 2018, and the ex-MLS playeris now hoping to represent the United States in Qatar, despite everything.

"I would definitely go to the World Cup if I was called up," Martin told the US Sun. "Obviously, that's an extreme hypothetical, but it would be an honour.

"I think that I would try to honour the community in a certain way - the gay community - and I would do it respectfully.

"I would make sure that it is known that a gay player is participating at the World Cup, and that there's no issue with it and that I need to be respected.

"I think it's not just the gay community that is concerned with the host country being accepting and I think there's been a tonne of different issues that have arose from holding the World Cup in Qatar.

"There are human rights questions on multiple levels and women's rights and how the country views and accepts women.

"Obviously, in my case, there is some concern and just?genuine safety concerns like 'am I going to be allowed to play in this country if I was in the World Cup? Would I be accepted? What kind of abuse would I get from fans in the stadiums?'

"I think there is definitely some work to be done and definitely there's some concern there, but if people can't go to the stadiums, and feeling like they can't go with their significant others, that's an issue.

"The focus should be on supporting their country, enjoying?themselves, having a good time and being allowed to enjoy the game of football.

"It's a sport for everyone and it's something that should be enjoyed by all."