October 24, 2021
Why Is Gay Ally David Beckham Promoting Homophobic Qatar?
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Qatar is going all out for the 2022 World Games. But should David Beckham help them?
In an exclusive to the British tabloid The Sun, the 46-year-old soccer superstar (nicknamed Goldenballs) "signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country's ambassador."
"The Gulf state is�said�to be spending as much as a staggering $300 billion on overall infrastructure as part of the project, but the venture has been a controversial one," writes RT.com.
But Qatar's record on LGBTQ and women's rights, as well as for its treatment of immigrant workers, have led to question Beckham's decision.
The Sun writes that Beckham has been assured "fans would be safe and allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums – the symbol of the LGBTQ community." Beckham will also promote tourism and culture.
It also said that he consulted his wife (and ex-Spice Girl) Victoria about women's rights issues before accepting the offer.
A source told The Sun: "David believes in�Qatar's commitment to progress and that the World Cup – the first to be held in the Arab world – can effect significant positive change.
"He strongly believes in the power of football to bridge differences but, crucially, has seen the progress on issues that matter."
The source went on: "By signing David, the hope is more westerners will be encouraged to see its beautiful beaches, vast expanses of sand dunes and incredible skyscrapers."
But Qatar has faced international criticism over its human rights record. "Reports�have stated that 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since it won the right to host the World Cup just over a decade ago – when ironically it beat a rival bid from England which featured Beckham as an integral part," adds RT.
"Elsewhere, there has been anger over taking football's showpiece event to a country accused of widespread suppression of women's and gay rights."
His spokesperson put out a statement that put on a happy face. "David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels,"�a spokeswoman for the star was quoted as saying.
"As we reach the one year to go point, he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he's looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament."
Twitter was quick to comment:
