David Beckham makes first statement on his Qatar World Cup involvement David Beckham makes first statement on his Qatar World Cup involvement
- World Soccer Today -
Former England captain, whose part as minister was criticized by LGBTQ community, said he believes sport is ‘ force for good ’
David Beckham has made his first public statement on his controversial involvement with the World Cup host nation Qatar, telling a US review through a prophet that he “ has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world ”.
“ We understand that there are different and explosively held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the crucial issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region, ” the statement continued.
It added “ We hope that these exchanges will lead to lesser understanding and empathy toward all people and that progress will be achieved.
” The statement – given to the funnyman Joe Lycett and read out on a special edition of his show, Joe Lynette’s Got Your Back – came in response to violent review that Beckham, 47, had accepted millions of pounds from Qatar to serve as a minister for the games in malignancy of the country’s cathartic station on LGBTQ rights, its mortal rights record and allegations of mistreatment of migratory workers.
The former England captain’s signatures for the host nation have included a promotional film for Visit Qatar. “ The ultramodern and traditional fuse to produce commodity really special, ” he said. In a posterior videotape communication, he said that the World Cup would be a platform for progress, inclusivity and forbearance.
The signatures have entered smarting review, particularly from members of the LGBTQ community, who claim that Beckham’s support of Qatar runs athwart to his image as a supporter of gay rights.
“ Some of the effects that people like David Beckham are learning is that mortal rights are universal non-negotiable, ” Para Power, the director of Fare, ananti-discrimination group, told the Observer last month. “ I've no doubt that the LGBTQ community in Western Europe will see him as ever a snake or someone who used to be a supporter but no longer is.
” Beckham’s statement came in the environment of a Times' composition that sought to unpick the football player’s relative absence from the games, despite his image being plastered all over Doha.
The paper claimed the celebrity player had placed conditions on his public appearances in Qatar, including that his presence would not be blazoned ahead of time, cautions would not be transferred to journalists and that Beckham had appeared to be shielded from questions
But a publicist for the player denied that he'd been unapproachable. “ David has been involved in a number of World Mugs and other major transnational events as a player and a minister, and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world, ” the statement said.
The statement is notable for its elision nowhere is Qatar mentioned. That may further incense Qatari officers, who are reported to be frustrated that Beckham has avoided questions and not spoken up for the country he's contracted to promote – a situation that had come “ ineffective ” for Qatar.
“ For all the millions of bones he was earning, the Qatari organizers felt, the scrutiny of their country was just getting worse, ” the paper wrote.
