Southgate warns England 'hard work starts now' for World Cup
David Beckham has received huge backlash after reportedly agreeing a controversial £150million deal to become the face of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The former England football star will become an ambassador for the country over the next decade and will promote its tourism and culture as part of the deal.
The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has close ties with Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the Qatari president of Paris Saint-Germain, with whom Beckham ended his career in 2013.
But the 46-year-old has been criticised for taking on the role. Qatar has come under scrutiny for its human rights record, especially towards the LGBT community and towards women.
According to the Guardian, 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since they were awarded the 2022 World Cup in 2010.
“David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels,” a spokesperson for Beckham told the Sun, who broke the news of the deal.
David Beckham has been slammed as 'hypocritical' for reportedly taking a World Cup ambassador role (Image: GETTY)
“As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he's looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament.”
But news of the deal has been met with fierce criticism, with Beckham being accused of "selling his soul".
The Athletic journalist Adam Crafton responded to news of the deal by writing on Twitter: “Pretty dismal by Beckham.”
“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?” Twitter user @DougieBrimson wrote on social media.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Other users expressed their shock at Beckham's decision and pointed out that he is an ambassador for UNICEF, a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
“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?” lamented @b_wildered2.
Express Sport has contacted David Beckham's representatives for comment.
Lusail Stadium will host the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup (Image: GETTY)