David Beckham facing huge backlash as it was reported that he would become the face of 2022 world cup Despite concerns about human rights abuses in the country in Qatar.
In a deal reportedly worth up to £150 million, the former England captain will act as an ambassador for the country and promote tourism as part of the deal.
But Beckham is facing criticism for accepting the role as fans and campaigners have been quick to point out the human rights disputes surrounding next year’s tournament’s host nation.
Critics have accused Beckham of “selling his soul” and described his actions as “pure greed” after details of the deal were revealed.
David Beckham at Souk Waqf Art Center in Qatar. Over two days he also toured the city’s metro system and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree
The Mail on Sunday has shed light in recent weeks on how the country is replete with racism, misogyny and oppression of gay men and women.
And it is against the backdrop of these controversies, with fans accusing Beckham, who is reportedly worth in the region of £360 million, of putting money and wealth above anything else.
Now the 46-year-old is facing criticism from campaigners who use their influence to support a country where women and gay people suffer such horrific abuse.
Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell said: ‘Qatar is not a great culture, as David has said, if you are a woman, an expatriate activist or gay.
‘It is really disappointing that he is promoting Qatar in exchange for a lot of money, given its dismal human rights record.
‘He has made a big mistake. I hope he thinks again. It is not square with the support she has made for women and LGBT+ rights.’
Helen Bernard, director of research and policy at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: ‘Such weak justifications from Beckham and all the clubs and stars taking money from these brutal, horrific regimes.
‘Just say “we really, really wanted the money”. Don’t hide behind “They were too good for me. Maybe the people they kill and torture are misunderstood”.
Rothna Begum, senior women’s rights researcher at the campaign group Human Rights Watch, said: ‘Celebrities who are being paid to promote the state of Qatar, who consider themselves pro-women and pro-women, should use the opportunity and access to . Position of power to inquire about what is happening.’
Image: Campaigners, politicians and fans have criticized Beckham’s decision to sign the deal
Meanwhile, fans have expressed their disappointment over the former England superstar.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘Surely being the face of the Qatar World Cup and UNICEF ambassador is a conflict of interest?
‘I think your theories go out the window when huge amounts of money are involved.’
Another added: ‘I’m at David Beckham, dismayed as to whether one can really wonder if he took the money, given the fact that hardly anyone involved with football has dealt with Qatar and the World Cup issues But the spine is visible.
While a third added: ‘David Beckham grabbing £15m-a-year from Qatar to be your face of the 2022 World Cup is the most disgusting football thing since that other. UNICEF Ambassador?’
Another added: ‘Always thought David Beckham came across as a really decent man but he sold his soul here.’
Devastating reports have shown how women are forced to seek a man’s approval to marry, study or travel, and rape victims can face up to seven years in prison for having sex outside of marriage. .
Last week on Sunday the Mail reported how fears are rising for the safety of 23-year-old Qatari women’s rights activist Nuf al-Madeed, who fled her homeland to the UK in 2019 but returned earlier this month after receiving Has disappeared since arrival. The officials assured that she would be safe.
Another dispatch exposed the plight of men who were thrown into prison just to see they could be gay.
Homosexuality in Qatar is punishable by three years in prison. We also uncovered how migrant workers are being treated as second class citizens and hundreds have died while constructing roads and stadiums in preparation for the tournament.
Beckham once claimed that feminism is in her DNA, and posed for pictures last year wearing a Gay Pride t-shirt, but after a previous promotional trip to Qatar in 2019 she posed for “great hotels and great culture”. ‘ is appreciated.
The former England captain has come under criticism for promoting an event in a country with such a poor human rights record. Reports have shown that women are forced to seek male approval for marriage, study or travel
Beckham’s team would not confirm the existence of his lucrative promotional deal on record.
But a source close to the former footballer said he was in Doha on a fact-finding trip.
A spokesman said: ‘David has been touring Qatar regularly for over a decade and … Have seen long term commitment.
‘He has always talked about the power of football on many levels.’
But Beckham declined to answer questions on the harassment of gay people and the mistreatment of women and migrant workers.
His response is like that of other high-profile stars in the football world who are generally willing to speak out against discrimination and prejudice.
Those who remained silent on Qatar include England manager Gareth Southgate, team captain Harry Kane, Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and former England star-turned-television pundit Gary Neville.
The Beckhams are on a tour of Qatar’s Education City Stadium in 2019. Last night she faced criticism from campaigners for using her influence to support a country where women and lesbians are subjected to such horrific abuse.
On October 4, a private jet took Beckham to Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The fabulously wealthy footballer’s 69 million Instagram followers are usually well informed about his glamorous lifestyle, but he was unusually shy on occasion, opting not to post any photos of his travels. Selected option.
However, excited locals who saw him tour the city with photographers, and a film crew posted their own shots on Qatari social-media sites.
Over two days, Beckham toured the city’s subway system and Souk Waqif Art Center, and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree.
The MoS revealed in February how the 46-year-old Beckham, who is estimated to be worth £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-Khelai (pictured at right) in 2013
He has never confirmed or denied the arrangement.
The deal is understood to have followed Beckham’s close friendship with the Qatari president of French football club Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelai, when the former Manchester United star joined the club in 2013.
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 back in Qatar next month to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix hosted by the desert state .
Al-Khelaifi also runs the Qatari sports television channel beIN. The network faced criticism for hiring Andy Gray and Richard Keys for their football coverage after they were fired from Sky after making offensive remarks about female executives Sean Massey and other women.
Beckham was interviewed on Qatari Channel where he explained his wish that he could play in the Qatar World Cup, a ‘great culture’ and the positive results that would come from holding the tournament there.
Speaking about the 2019 World Cup in Qatar, Beckham spoke of jealousy at not getting a chance to be there as a player.
He said: ‘I think as a player and a fan you want to go into a World Cup competition with good facilities, safe facilities, great hotels and great culture – and that’s what Qatar is about.
‘I wish I was still playing because playing in stadiums like this is a dream. Players are going to be spoiled.
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