This is an advertising campaign that David Beckham may regret. The ex-star footballer was indeed attracted, Thursday 1is September, strong criticism by promoting Qatar in a clip for the emirate which hosts, from November 20, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s perfection for meboasts David Beckham, about this country, in videos for Qatar Tourism. It’s an amazing place to spend a few days. » Before adding: “I can’t wait to take my kids there. »
In the advertising clips, the football legend appears on a motorbike, a boat, in the desert in a tent with men in traditional dress, or even in a spice market. He rents “the mix between modernity and tradition” which creates “something really special”.
“Gold for the image of Qatar”
An advertisement at odds with the accusations expressed by human rights organizations, which castigate the gas emirate on the working conditions of workers or on the situation of sexual minorities in the country.
According to the British press, this campaign brought in 10 million pounds (11.5 million euros) for David Beckham. In return, the British soccer icon has drawn a barrage of criticism on social media, particularly from netizens lamenting the fate of the LGBT+ community in Qatar.
The NGO Amnesty International condemned this campaign, highlighting the “country’s appalling human rights record”. “Beckham’s global fame and status is gold for Qatar’s image, but he should use that image to call FIFA [Fédération internationale de football association] and the Qatari authorities to address the terrible abuses that tens of thousands of migrant workers faced during the construction” infrastructures for the World Cup, castigating Felix Jakens, one of Amnesty’s UK officials.
