Qatar is all set to host the FIFA world cup, which begins on 20 November 2022, until 18 December. While preparations are in full swing, David Beckham has notably promoted Qatar and the FIFA world cup, being among the many global ambassadors for FIFA.
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His promotion has been deemed ‘controversial’ as per The Independent, as it led to an accusation by Dr. Nas Mohamed.
Who is Nas Mohamed?
Nas Mohamed is the first Qatari man to openly out himself as gay. After coming out earlier this year, he has been an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in Qatar. He recently accused football sensation David Beckham of stamping out hope for the queer community of Qatar through his promotional work, as per Lad Bible.
How did Beckham stamp out hope for the LGBTQIA+ community?
David Beckham's promotion of the country has him describing Qatar as ‘perfection’. This didn’t sit well with the LGBTQIA+ community in Qatar, as being gay is still considered a criminal offence in the country.
He also went on to say that Beckham’s promotional work for the country proves to be an inaccurate representation of life in Qatar. And the state of reality is far from it, as social rejection and honor killings are very much prevalent in the country, as is conversion therapy.
Nas Mohamed has also appealed to Beckham to sign a petition regarding decriminalizing homosexuality in Qatar.
How has this controversy rippled to England?
The effect of Qatar’s laws on homosexuality has touched lives in England. The co-chair at Three Lions Pride, Joe White, has taken a stand regarding this.
According to Codesports, White is an ardent England fan who has followed the team home and away for six years. White has decided to return the FIFA 2022 tickets he had as he feels that he might be unsafe in Qatar. Several members of the LGBTQIA+ community in England are taking this stand.
Sources used:
- Code Sports: 'Three Lions Pride co-chair say LGBT+ community let down by Fifa and David Bechkam'
- Lad Bible: 'David Beckham has been accused of 'stamping out hope' for LGBT community in Qatar'
- The Independent: 'David Beckham accused of 'stamping out hope' for Qatar's LGBT+ community'
Read more:
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