World Cup: Joe Lycett gives David Beckham ultimatum over Qatar deal
Joe Lycett has publicly called for David Beckham to end his deal with the Qatar World Cup, pointing out the hypocrisy of the footballer’s appreciation of his LGBTQ+ fans whilst also receiving reportedly up to £10 million from the country, where it is illegal to be gay.
Beckham was the first premiership footballer to embrace having an LGBTQ+ fanbase, acknowledging them and doing photoshoots with gay publications.
In response, Lycett has launched a website ‘benderslikebeckham.com’ alongside a video message to the athlete, explaining why he is opposed to this deal. “You’ve signed a reported £10 million deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup,” the comedian said. “Qatar was voted as the one of the worst places in the world to be gay – homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment, and if you’re Muslim, possibly even death.” Lycett has said that if Beckham does end this deal, he will donate £10,000 to LGBTQ+ charities.
If he doesn’t, he will instead shred the money on livestream, just before the Qatar World Cup opening ceremony. Lycett, a pansexual comedian and TV presenter, is no stranger to unorthodox methods to getting his message across.
