'Do you have any gay players?' BBC apologizes for asking Women's World Cup player about Moroccan team's sexuality

The BBC apologized for an "inappropriate" question one of its reporters asked a Moroccan player at the Women's World Cup regarding whether there are any lesbians on the Moroccan national team. The reporter also asked what "life is like" for any potential gay player in the Islamic country where same-sex relations are illegal.

“In Morocco, it’s illegal to have a gay relationship. Do you have any gay players in your squad, and what is life like for them in Morocco?” the reporter for BBC World Service asked during a press conference.

The moderator, however, interjected before any answer could be given and said, “Sorry, this is a very political question. So we’ll just stick to questions relating to football.”

The unnamed reporter defended his question, saying, “It’s about people. It’s got nothing to do with politics. Please let her answer the question."

The question was directed at Moroccan player Ghizlane Chebbak as she took the podium with her coach to field questions through an interpreter.

The 32-year-old national player was seen smirking and laughing in reaction to the question, which later forced an apology out of the British broadcaster.

A BBC spokesperson told CNN that network officials "recognize that the question was inappropriate," adding that they "had no intention to cause any harm or distress.”

The Moroccan Football Federation did not respond to CNN, however.

A representative from international soccer's governing body, FIFA, reportedly spoke to the BBC journalist about his question immediately following the end of the press conference.

Headlines surrounding the Women's World Cup have rarely focused on the in-game action since it kicked off. The tournament began with officials both giving away tickets and pleading with fans to attend games in New Zealand.

Some were also upset with the U.S. Women's National Team's apparent lack of enthusiasm during the national anthem. Only three players sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

As well, a Canadian player who goes only by the name "Quinn" was reported as the first "transgender player" to play in the Women's World Cup. The 27-year-old, whose full name is Rebecca Quinn, has identified as "non-binary" while playing club soccer in the United States since 2018, on the same team as outspoken activist Megan Rapinoe.

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