David Beckham is in hot water after it was reported that he would be the face of 2022 World Cup Qatar, despite concerns about human rights abuses in the country.
In a deal reportedly worth up to £150million, the former England captain will act as an ambassador for the country and promote tourism as part of the deal.
Beckham is however being criticised for accepting the responsibility. Campaigners and fans have been quick in pointing out the human rights concerns surrounding the host nation for next year’s tournament.
After details of the deal were revealed, critics accused Beckham of selling his soul and describing his actions as ‘pure gluttony’.
David Beckham at Qatar’s Souq Waqif Art Centre. Over two days he also visited the city’s metro system and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree
The Mail on Sunday highlights how the country is plagued by racism, misogyny as well as the persecution of gay men or women.
And it is against the backdrop of these controversies, fans have accused Beckham, who is reportedly worth in the region of £360million, of putting money and wealth above anything else.
Campaigners are scathing of the 46-year old for promoting a country where gay and female people are subject to such horrific abuse.
Veteran human-rights activist Peter Tatchell said: ‘Qatar is not a great culture, like David said it is, if you are a woman, a migrant worker or gay.
“It is really disappointing he is promoting Qatar for a lot more money, given its poor human-rights record.
‘He has made a huge mistake. I hope he will reconsider. This doesn’t square with his professed support for women’s and LGBT+ rights.’
Helen Barnard, research director and policy director at Joseph Rowntree Foundation, stated: “Such weak justifications by Beckham and all of the clubs and stars taking cash from these brutal, horrendous regimes.
“We really, really wanted the cash.” Do not hide behind “They were so kind to me.” Maybe all the people they kill & oppress just misunderstood”.’
Rothna Begum, senior women’s rights researcher at campaign group Human Rights Watch, said: ‘Celebrities who are being paid to promote the Qatari state who consider themselves to be pro-women and pro-women’s rights should be using the opportunity and access to those in positions of power to enquire about things that are happening.’
Pictured: Campaigners and politicians have criticized Beckham’s decision not to sign a deal
Fans have voiced their dismay at the ex-england star.
One Twitter user wrote, “Surely being the face for the Qatar World Cup and an Ambassador for UNICEF is a conflict?
“It seems your principles are out of date when huge amounts of money are involved.
Another said: “Disappointed that David Beckham is in me, can anyone really be shocked that he took the money?” Given the fact that few people associated with football have shown any backbone over #Qatar or the world cup,
While a third added: ‘David Beckham grabbing £15m-a-year from Qatar to become their face of 2022 World Cup is the most disgusting football thing since that other one that. UNICEF ambassador?’
Another commentator added: “I always thought that David Beckham comes across to be a really decent man, but he’s sold it here.
Devastating reports have shown that women are forced to ask for male approval to marry, travel, or study. Rape victims could face seven years imprisonment for having sex without marriage.
Last week the Mail on Sunday told how fears are growing for the safety of 23-year-old Qatari women’s rights activist Noof al-Maadeed, who had fled from her homeland to the UK in 2019 but has vanished since returning earlier this month after receiving assurances from the authorities that she would be safe.
Another report highlighted the dire situation of gay men who are sent to jail for being openly gay.
Three years in prison is the maximum sentence for homosexuality in Qatar. We also revealed that migrant workers are treated as second-class citizens in Qatar, and that hundreds died while building roads and stadiums to prepare for the tournament.
Beckham once claimed that feminism is in his DNA, and last year posed for pictures wearing a Gay Pride T-shirt, but after a previous promotional visit to Qatar in 2019 he applauded its ‘great hotels and great culture’.
The former captain of England was criticized for his promotion of an event in a country with a poor record in human rights. Reports have revealed that women are forced by men to approve them to marry, travel, or study in order to be approved.
Beckham’s team would not confirm on the record the existence of his lucrative promotional deal.
A source close to the ex-footballer claimed that he was in Doha for a fact-finding mission.
A spokesman said: ‘David has been visiting Qatar regularly for over a decade and … has seen the passion for football in the country and the long-term commitment that’s been made to hosting the World Cup and delivering a lasting legacy for the region.
‘He’s always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels.’
Beckham refused, however, to answer questions regarding the persecution of homosexual people and the mistreatment and mistreatment of women workers and migrants.
His reaction is similar to other prominent stars in football, who are often keen to speak out against discrimination.
England manager Gareth Southgate is, along with team captain Harry Kane and Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker a former England star turned television pundit Gary Neville, still silent on Qatar.
Beckham during a 2019 visit at the Education City Stadium, Qatar. Campaigners criticised Beckham last night for using his influence and recommending a country that is so cruel to gay and woman.
On October 4, a private jet whisked Beckham to Qatar’s capital city, Doha.
The fabulously wealthy footballer’s 69 million Instagram followers are usually kept well informed about his glamorous lifestyle, but he was unusually coy on this occasion, choosing not to post any pictures of his trip.
However, locals were thrilled to see him tour the city with photographers and a crew of film makers. They posted their photos on Qatari social-media websites.
Over two days Beckham visited the city’s metro system and the Souq Waqif Art Centre, and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree.
The MoS revealed in February how Beckham, 46, who is worth an estimated £360 million, had signed the deal to be an ambassador for Qatar, with a major role in promoting the World Cup.
Beckham formed a close friendship with the Qatari president of French football club Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaifi (pictured right) in 2013
He has never confirmed or denied the arrangement.
It is believed that the deal was reached after Beckham developed a close friendship with Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Qatari president of French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain), when he was a Manchester United player.
The pair were photographed laughing together at an international match in Qatar in December 2019 and Beckham has become a frequent visitor to the country – he is due back in Qatar next month to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix hosted by the desert state.
Al-Khelaifi also manages the Qatari sports TV channel beIN. After making offensive remarks about Sian Massey, a female official at Sky, the network was criticised for hiring Richard Keys and Andy Gray to anchor its football coverage.
Beckham has been interviewed on the Qatari channel where he spoke of his wish that he could play in Qatar’s World Cup, a ‘great culture’ and the positive outcomes that holding the tournament there will achieve.
Beckham, speaking in 2019 about Qatar’s World Cup, spoke out about his jealousy at not being able to play as a player.
He said: ‘I think as a player and a fan you want to visit a World Cup competition with great facilities, safe facilities, great hotels and great culture – and that’s what Qatar is all about.
“I wish that I was still playing because to be able to play in stadiums such as this is a dream. The players will be spoilt.