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BBC bosses have apologised after a reporter asked Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak an ‘inappropriate’ question during a press conference.
The incident occurred ahead of Morocco’s Women’s World Cup clash against Germany on Monday.
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During the Press conference a BBC World Service reporter asked the 32-year-old: “In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship.
“Do you have any gay players in your squad and what’s life like for them in Morocco?”
The African nation has strict laws against homosexuality, with same-sex relationships illegal for both men and women, punishable by up to three years in prison.
The moderator quickly stepped in telling the reporter: “Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”
But the reporter hit back saying: “No, it’s not political.
“It’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question.”
The press conference moved on, sidetracking the question before coming to an abrupt end.
Following the incident, which has drawn criticism from some quarters, a BBC spokesperson apologised for the question posed to Chebbak.
“We recognise that the question was inappropriate. We had no intention to cause any harm or distress,” the BBC figure told CNN.
Morocco, who are making their Women’s World Cup debut, kicked off their campaign in the worst possible way.
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Last year’s Africa Cup of Nations runners-up were thumped 6-0 by Germany in their Group H opener.
Two goals from Alexandra Popp set Germany on their way before two own goals and strikes by Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, made light work of Morocco.
Morocco are the first Arab country to have ever qualified for the Women’s World Cup.
