BBC issues apology after their reporter asks 'inappropriate' question to Women's World Cup captain

BBC chiefs have apologised after a reporter asked Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak an 'inappropriate' question at the Women's World Cup.

The 32-year-old was facing the media ahead of her side's World Cup opener against Germany.

A reporter for the BBC then asked: "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?"

Ghizlane Chebbak was stunned by BBC question at the Women's World Cup

REUTERS

Chebbak looked stunned by the question and made it clear she wouldn't be answering.

"Sorry, this is a very political question, so we’ll just stick to questions relating to football," the moderator stepped in saying.

Yet the reporter wouldn't let that slide and responded by stating: "No, it’s not political.

"It’s about people, it’s got nothing to do with politics.

"Please let her answer the question."

An awkward silence then fell over the room and, ultimately, the press conference moved on.

One further question was asked before proceedings ended and Chebbak disappeared to prepare for the match.

And a BBC spokeperson has now apologised, telling CNN: "We recognise that the question was inappropriate.

"We had no intention to cause any harm or distress."

In Morocco, same-sex relationships for both men and women are illegal.

Homosexuality is punishable by up to three years in prison.

This year is Morocco's first time at the Women's World Cup, having made the final of last year's Africa Cup of Nations.

But they now face a big fight to make it out of the group stages after a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Germany.

Alexandra Popp scored twice, with two own goals and efforts from Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller giving them all three points.

Morocco are also the first Arab country to ever qualify for the Women's World Cup.

And more history will be made with defender Nouhaila Benzina set to wear a hijab at a senior women's tournament.

Morocco will be hoping for success just like their male counterparts tasted in Qatar last year.

The African side were strong in the group stages, beating Belgium and Canada to make the knockout rounds.

Morocco then dumped out Spain, who had been among the favourites to secure the glittering, golden gong.

And Portugal were then eliminated as well.

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Morocco were beaten 6-0 by Germany at the Women's World Cup

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Morocco did, however, fall in the semi-finals with France winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.

They proceeded to lose the third-place play-off to Croatria, with the European side winning 2-1 to end their tournament on a high.

Morocco skipper Ghizlane Chebbak was involved in an awkward exchange at the tournament