The 2022 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to start on Sunday in Qatar as allegations of widespread human rights abuses, including the deaths of 6500 migrant workers, cloud the competition.
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A Human Rights Watch report released in October alleged that Qatar Preventive Security Department forces have arbitrarily arrested lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and subjected them to ill-treatment in detention.
Same-sex relations are illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to seven years in prison.
In 2020, Qatar assured prospective visitors that it would welcome LGBTQ+ visitors and that fans would be free to fly the rainbow flag at the World Cup football games.
Despite this, a World Cup ambassador commented last week that homosexuality is "damage in the mind".
Celebrities have denounced Qatar's human rights abuses and vowed to boycott the Cup.
English singer Dua Lipa addressed rumours that she would perform at the opening ceremony on Instagram, clarifying that she was never in negotiations and would "look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made".
Rod Stewart also turned down a £1m deal to perform at the opening ceremony, commenting that "it's not right".
David Beckham is reportedly being paid £10m to be an ambassador for the event, and has been heavily criticised for accepting the money, given that he has previously been viewed as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has called on David Beckham to "speak out" against Qatar's treatment of LGBTQ+ people ahead of the World Cup. Cavallo became the first openly gay player at the top level of football when he came out last October.
Comedian Joe Lycett took to Twitter to tell Beckham that he would shred £10,000 if the former soccer player didn't pull out of his ambassador deal.
The Socceroos were one of the first competing teams to release a statement condemning human rights abuses in Qatar earlier this year.
The Australian men's team released a video outlining its concerns and calling to establish a migrant resource centre and decriminalisation of all same sex relationships in Qatar.
"There are universal values that should define football values such as respect, dignity, trust, and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values," the players said.
In February 2021, The Guardian reported that 6500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have died since Qatar won the bid in December 2010.
Australian players will not be alone in condemning the host country, players from nine teams will wear rainbow "One Love" armbands to support LGBTQ+ rights.
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Allegations of corruption, bribery and links to trade deals at the highest levels of government surrounded Qatar's controversial bid.
Since winning the bid in 2010 Qatar has embarked on an immense program to develop and improve on its infrastructure, including building a new airport and seven new stadiums.
The controversy surrounding Qatar is not without historical precedent. Benito Mussolini hosted the 1934 World Cup in an attempt to showcase the merits of Fascist Italy to the world.
Over the past 20 years, China has twice played host to the Olympics and Russia has staged both the Winter Games and the 2018 football World Cup. Both countries have received international condemnation for widespread human rights abuses and treatment of LGBTQ groups.
