David Beckham faces backlash over controversial £10m Qatar deal

World-famous football legend David Beckham has reportedly signed a commercial deal with Qatar worth £10m. The lucrative deal will see him become ambassador of the country ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

But, given its history of persecuting members of the LGBTQ+ community, David Beckham is coming under fire for entering into a deal with the country.

Qatar faces accusations of human rights violence and is reportedly the second most dangerous country in the world for the queer community. In Qatar, it is illegal to be homosexual and is criminalised with prison or flogging.

In 2007, the footballer said he was happy to have the title of "gay icon". so the news has left many feeling disappointed that the high profile ex-footballer would collaborate with a homophobic country.

One Twitter user wrote: “You can be executed in Qatar for being gay. David Beckham has accepted millions from Qatar to try & make it a bit more cuddly.”

Qatar will reportedly allow Pride flags to be flown while it hosts the World Cup, but controversy over whether it should have been allowed to host in the first place remains. It will be the first modern host country where homosexuality is banned and you can be imprisoned for being gay.

Meanwhile, Beckham, an already rich businessman, is accused of "selling out".

This choice is perhaps not the greatest look from the sporting legend.

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