In a statement released on Friday, the British soccer star finally addressed the global criticism he’s received for promoting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar as a travel destination. According to the statement, Beckham believes that it’s “positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.” This after receiving backlash for promoting the country due to it’s questionable record of human right’s violations and strict anti-LGBTQ policies.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar and being caught can lead to up to seven years in prison. LGBTQ+ advocates pledged to boycott the World Cup in Qatar as local authorities failed to guarantee the safety of LGBTQ+ spectators and athletes.
Beckham’s spokesperson told CNN through an official statement that they “understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.” Adding that they “hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved.”
“David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world. Football, the most popular sport globally, has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities,” his spokesperson said.