Footballing legend and international heartthrob David Beckham is under fire for a reported sponsor deal with Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
According to reports, Beckham has been offered at least £10 million ($17.8 million) to be an ambassador for the country and helping promote the World Cup.
The details of the deal are still being finalised.
However, many have been quick to point out Qatar’s issues around LGBTQ+ and human rights, which includes the criminalisation of homosexuality.
There have also been reports of migrant workers being unpaid for their work in building stadiums for the tournament.
Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen told Attitude: “David Beckham’s business deals are obviously a matter for him, but we would urge him to fully familiarise himself with the disturbing human rights situation in Qatar and be prepared to speak out about it.
“Qatar’s human rights record is troubling – from the country’s longstanding mistreatment of migrant workers, to its curbs on free speech and its criminalisation of same-sex relations.
“More needs to be done for this World Cup to leave a positive legacy and transform the human rights situation in Qatar, but the clock is ticking.”
Beckham, apparently, is aware of the problems coming out of Qatar and realises the impact such an agreement could have on his personal brand.
According to the Daily Mail, a Qatari source has said “there is an opportunity to land [the deal] without David’s PR being affected too much”.
After declaring himself as a “gay icon” in 2007, Beckham faces backlash from the LGBTQ+ if the deal is agreed to.
Even rumours of the deal have led to some uproar on social media.
https://twitter.com/rdunbar83/status/1358871262588723203
Very disappointed to hear that #DavidBeckham has become the face of Qatar, where men can be punished with death for being gay
— Lee Marshall (@lee_sw8) February 8, 2021
