Beckham defends Qatar World Cup role after human rights groups attack deal
David Beckham has defended himself against criticism by human rights groups over his lucrative ambassadorial role with the Qatar World Cup.
The former England captain came under attack from LGBT+ and workers’ rights campaigners after it was claimed he is making £15million a year working with the nation.
“His decision to act as an ambassador for a homophobic regime like Qatar is a big blow,” campaigner Peter Tatchell told The Daily Telegraph, adding that Beckham had previously “supported our battle for equality when many others did not”. The End Sportswashing campaign group also reacted with dismay, saying Beckham should instead be “using his position to draw attention to Qatar’s human rights record and treatment of its migrant workers”.
However, sources close to the former player – who has been a Unicef goodwill ambassador since 2005 – insisted he was working with the nation because he believed in the “power of football to inspire positive change”. Homosexuality remains illegal in Qatar, but organisers have assured potential travellers that application of the law has become progressively more liberal.
Insiders said Beckham had also received assurances that fans would not be discriminated against at next year’s tournament. “Of course David wanted to ensure that he was informed about the facts and any concerns that he might have for his gay friends, football supporters and fans,” one source close to Beckham said. “Some of the laws and beliefs in the region differ to his own, but the Qataris have always said that everyone will be safe and welcome at the World Cup in 2022.
“He believes that commitment is sincere and has seen evidence of proactive engagement with the international LBGTQ community by the World Cup organisers.”
Beckham has had close ties with key figures in Qatar since his time playing for Paris St-germain. Earlier this month, he flew into the capital, Doha, for a week touring stadiums and meeting dignitaries. “As the first tournament of its kind in the Muslim world, this World Cup will be so important to the region and its people, and that’s about the power of football to inspire positive change,” the source said.
The exact value of Beckham’s deal is undisclosed, but The Sun on Sunday newspaper estimated he could eventually earn £150million over the next decade. Tatchell said the deal was “both surprising and distressing”, given he is as “an icon for many LGBT+ people”.
In August, Amnesty International called on England players to push Fifa and Qatar to improve the rights of migrant workers.