England team Stonewall Lions FC won the Gay World Football Championship yesterday in London's Matchroom Stadium.

They defeated the Argentine team Safgay FC, 5-Nil.

Stonewall previously won the Gay Football World Championship in 2002 and 2006, and won the European Gay Football Championship last month, reports UKgaynews.

Today's championship was organised by the International Gay & Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) and was backed by the Football Association of Britain. Sports clothing label Nike pitched in as the official kit supplier.

Forty teams from all over the world competed, representing United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Japan and Australia.

Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has backed the London IGLFA 2008 gay world championships.

"This championship has bought together gay football teams from across the world," the long-time human rights activist says. "It encourages more gay people to get involved in football and, through the spending power of visiting teams and spectators, benefited the London economy.

"It challenges the machismo and homophobia that is often associated with football in many parts of the world. Gay footballers are helping break down stereotypes and prejudice. They are ambassadors for gay inclusion and equality. Gay football enhances understanding and acceptance of gay and lesbian people," said Tatchell.