Brazilian soccer ref says he is gay, hopes to inspire others

Published July 10, 2022 4:07 PM

By MAURICIO SAVARESE
Associated Press

SAO PAULO (AP) — A FIFA-ranked referee in Brazil says he hopes his announcement that he is gay will inspire others in soccer. The 41-year-old Igor Benevenuto is one of the country’s main video assistant referees and he also takes charge of some matches in Brazil’s top two divisions. Benevenuto told TV Globo in a show broadcast on Sunday that he had used his referee’s job to “hide” his sexuality. Benevenuto now wants his announcement to help others.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National-Sports

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