This year, as in every year in recent memory, sports figures have also stepped forward to urge gay players to stay closeted (often framed as advice “for their own good”). This is ignorant and patronizing at best.

As a recreational soccer player and fan I’m tired of this debate, which is why I started this petition at Change.org: http://www.change.org/petitions/fight-homophobia-in-football-demand-resignation-of-croatian-football-federation-president-markovic-2

It deals with Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic’s homophobic comments made last November that while he was president of the CFF, there would be no homosexual players. Three months later, the UEFA and FIFA confirmed Markovic for a fourth term at his post. The confirmation happened within weeks of the UEFA “officially endorsing” The Justin Campaign — a campaign against homophobia in football.

To everyone reading, please consider signing and sharing the petition.

To the gay players: come out. There is nothing to fear.