Campaigners and fans slam David Beckham over deal to be Qatar ambassador and ...

Campaigners and fans slam David Beckham over deal to be Qatar ambassador and ...
Campaigners and fans slam David Beckham over deal to be Qatar ambassador and ...

David Beckham is facing huge backlash after it was reported he will become the face of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar despite concerns surrounding 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.

But Beckham is under fire for accepting the role as fans and campaigners have been quick to point out the human rights controversies surrounding the host nation of the tournament next year.

Critics have accused Beckham of 'selling his soul' and described his actions as 'pure greed' after details of the deal emerged.

David Beckham at the Souq Waqif Art Centre in Qatar. Over two days he also visited the city’s metro system and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree

David Beckham at the Souq Waqif Art Centre in Qatar. Over two days he also visited the city’s metro system and dined at upmarket restaurants Nobu and Banyan Tree 

The Mail on Sunday has highlighted over recent weeks how the country is rife with racism, misogyny and the persecution of gay men and 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.

Now the 46-year-old is facing criticism from campaigners for using his influence to endorse a country where woman and gay people suffer such horrendous 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 that he is promoting Qatar in return for a lot of money, given its dismal human-rights record.

‘He has made a huge mistake. I hope he will think again. This doesn’t square with his professed support for women’s and LGBT+ rights.’

Helen Barnard, research and policy director 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 so nice 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, politicians and fans have criticised Beckham's decision to sign deal

Pictured: Campaigners, politicians and fans have criticised Beckham's decision to sign deal

Meanwhile, fans have expressed their disappointment in the former England superstar.

One Twitter user wrote: 'Surely being the face of the Qatar World Cup and an ambassador for UNICEF is a conflict of interest?

'I guess your principles go out of the window when massive amounts of money are involved.'

Another added: 'Disappointed that I am in David Beckham, can anyone really be surprised that he's taken the money given the fact that hardly anyone associated with football have shown a backbone over the issue of #Qatar and 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 added: 'Always thought that David Beckham comes across as a really decent guy but he's sold his soul here.' 

Devastating reports have revealed how women are forced to seek male approval to marry, study or travel, and that rape victims can end up facing seven years in prison for having sex outside 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.

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