Two Premier League footballers are in a relationship, say reports

Two Premier League football players in the same team are in a relationship but are not ready to publicly come out, according to reports.

The pair have come out to their teammates and nothing has altered in the changing room, but they don’t want to take the attention of the pitch, as reported by The Sun.

The publication claims that the players started dating this year, but remain concerned to speak about their relationship and come out to the public.

This news comes a few weeks after a closeted ex-Premier League player reportedly condemned FIFA’s decision to stage the Word Cup in Qatar.

“They did not see the need to hide from their teammates — and why should they?” a source told the paper.

According to the source, no one at the club, manager or players, were “remotely bothered about it” but the closeted players have decided not to come out, “although neither are ashamed and it could happen down the line,” the source continues.

“During the season they wanted to concentrate on their football. While making a statement would [be] positive, it could take their attention away from their performances on the pitch.”

In October, Gary Lineker claimed to know two gay Premier League footballers who are gay but not out.

The 61-year-old broadcaster said it would be “amazing” if they chose to come out during the Qatar World Cup to send a strong message. 

“It would be great if one or two of them came out during the World Cup,” Lineker said, noting that the players have been “very close” to coming out previously.

However, former England player Rio Ferdinand recently told Attitude in an exclusive interview that the “witch hunt” for a gay Premier League player was likely to deter people from coming out.

As the World Cup approaches it has cast a shadow over LGBTQ progress on the pitch with the fact that it is illegal to be gay in Qatar. Homosexuality is punishable with a prison sentence and even death under Sharia law.

David Beckham has faced a strong backlash for his deal to support and promote Qatar ahead of the World Cup. Comedian Joe Lycett has threatened to shred £10,000 in one week if Beckham doesn’t end his with Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

While Beckham may have remained silent on the issue of LGBTQ and human rights in Qatar so far, many in the footballing world have been speaking against Qatar’s World Cup hosting including England footballer Beth Mead and Australia’s Josh Cavallo. Beckham is yet to respond to Lycett.

The World Cup takes place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022.