William has ruled out Qatar World Cup visit unless we reach final
PRINCE William will only travel to the World Cup next month if England get to the final.
The heir to the throne, who is president of the Football Association, has cited diary commitments during a “busy winter schedule” for keeping him from Qatar.
But some campaigners interpreted his decision as a snub to the Middle Eastern country. Qatar’s human rights record has been under increased scrutiny as the kick-off for the showpiece event approaches.
Veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell, who said he was arrested after recently staging the first LGBT protest in Qatar, urged celebrities and governments to follow William’s lead.
He said: “Everyone should stay away to signal their opposition to the despotic tyranny in Doha and to stand in solidarity with Qataris who are striving for democracy and human rights.
“The suggested excuse that Prince William’s decision is because of a diary clash is implausible, given that the dates of the World Cup have been well known for over a year.”
However, William also did not go to the previous World Cups in Russia in 2018 or Brazil in 2014 and politics is not thought to be behind his decision.
He and Prince Harry watched England at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 when they were in southern Africa as part of a wider joint royal tour.
However, William is still expected to follow England’s progress closely and is likely to use social media to get behind the team, ranked fifth in the world.
He supported the England women’s team during their victorious run in this year’s Euro 2022 tournament and presented the players with their winning medals after they beat Germany in the final at Wembley in July.
It is understood that William is keen to clear his diary and go to Qatar with an official delegation if England do manage to reach the final.
Qatar has faced criticism over its treatment of migrant workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
Australia’s World Cup team released a video condemning Qatar’s human rights record earlier this week.
Homosexuality is illegal in the conservative Muslim country, and some players have raised concerns for fans travelling to the World Cup, especially LGBT individuals and women.
Organisers of the tournament, which starts on November 20 and is the first in a Middle Eastern nation, say everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or background, is welcome.
But they have also warned against public displays of affection.
Human Rights Watch on Monday said security forces in Qatar arbitrarily arrested and abused LGBT Qataris as recently as last month. But a Qatari official said those allegations were false.
Mr Tatchell told the BBC: “Australian football stars are leading the way. They have set the gold standard.”
He added: “I hope that every other national team will follow their lead and that all team captains will devote 30 seconds of every post-match news conference to affirm their commitment to the rights of LGBTs, women and migrant workers.”