FIFA, the world football’s governing body, issued a warning to hotels which are recommended on its official website. FIFA said if they don’t welcome guests from LGBT community in a “non-discriminatory manner” they would face termination of contracts.

A Scandinavian media survey revealed that three of the 69 hotels on FIFA’s official list of recommended accommodation will deny entry to same-sex couples. Two other hotels said they would allow them to stay as long as they do not publicly show that they were gay. Only 33 hotels had no problem with booking same-sex couples.

In Qatar, homosexuality is illegal. The country would host the Arab’s first FIFA World Cup from 21 November to 18 December.

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Since they came across the report, FIFA have been in touch with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and “will ensure that the hotels mentioned are once again made aware of our strict requirements in relation to welcoming guests in a non-discriminatory manner.

“Hotels, as well as any other service provider associated with the FIFA World Cup, who fail to comply with the high standards set by the organisers will have their contracts terminated.

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“On top of that, the said requirements will continue to be reinforced in awareness-raising sessions and subsequently monitored and evaluated through audits and inspections of hotels linked to the Fifa World Cup.

“Qatar is fully aware of its responsibility to adhere to FIFA’s expectations and requirements on human rights, equality and non-discrimination. Qatar is committed to ensuring that everyone will be able to enjoy the tournament in a safe and welcoming environment, to building bridges of cultural understanding and to creating an inclusive experience for all participants, attendees and local communities, including from the LGBTQI+ community.”

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The SC on Thursday said that Qatar was a “conservative country” but was “committed to delivering an inclusive Fifa World Cup experience that is welcoming, safe and accessible to all”. Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, The Torch Doha and Magnum Hotel and Suites Westbay were the three hotels mentioned in the report.

“While observing and respecting the law of Qatar, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha does not in any way discriminate against guests of any background and aspires to deliver the highest guest satisfaction, which will only be possible by treating everyone fairly and equally,” the hotel authority was quoted by the Reuters.

The Torch referred to the SC statement when asked about their policy for same-sex couples, while Magnum Hotel and Suites did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.