Robbie Williams has spoken out on his decision to perform in Qatar (Picture: Action Press/REX/Shutterstock)

Robbie Williams has defended his decision to perform at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite the country’s human rights issues.

The former Take That member, 48, is amongst many celebrities and sporting figures being criticised for their involvement in the football event.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, and it is punishable by imprisonment.

There’s also a severe lack of rights for women, and more than 6,000 migrant workers have died since the country was awarded the World Cup 10 years ago.

Speaking out for the first time on the matter, Rock DJ singer Robbie passionately stood by his decision to perform at Doha Golf Club on December 8.

The Angels hitmaker told Italian newspaper Il Venerdì di Repubblica: ‘Of course, I don’t condone any abuses of human rights anywhere.

The singer has been criticised for the gig, given Qatar’s human rights issues (Picture: PA)

‘That being said, if we’re not condoning human rights abuses anywhere, then it would be the shortest tour the world has ever known. I wouldn’t even be able to perform in my own kitchen.’

He added: ‘Anybody leaving messages saying, “No to Qatar” are doing so on Chinese technology. It would be hypocritical of me to not go [to Qatar] because of the places that I do go to.

‘I think that the hypocrisy there is that if we take that case in this place, we need to apply that unilaterally to the world… then if we apply that unilaterally to the world, nobody can go anywhere.’

Robbie has been called out in the past for questionable gigs (Picture: Marco Prosch/Getty Images)

His Qatar gig isn’t the first time Robbie has come under fire for where he’s performed.

In 2018, the star performed at the World Cup opening ceremony in Russia, despite President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Crimea in 2014.

The British government also boycotted the event following the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury.

Dua Lipa wanted everyone to know she won’t be heading to Qatar any time soon (Picture: PA)

His controversial performance at the World Cup this year comes after several stars were keen to deny that they would be taking to the stage.

Rumours had been swirling that Dua Lipa – vocalist behind footie anthem, One Kiss – would be performing, but she said she will not visit the Arab country until its human rights issues are addressed.

Sir Rod Stewart recently shared too that he was offered $1million last year to play in Qatar, but turned it down as it ‘didn’t feel right’.

Meanwhile, the likes of David Beckham have received immense backlash for promoting the host country.

David Beckham has been heavily criticised for being the Arab country’s ambassador (Picture: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Becks is the ambassador for Qatar and reportedly signed a deal worth £10million.

However, comedian Joe Lycett has called for the Unicef ambassador to cut ties, otherwise, Joe will shred £10k of his own cash.

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If the Manchester United star does end his deal with Qatar, however, Joe will donate to charities supporting queer people in football.

The ‘gay icon’, as Joe branded him, is yet to comment publicly on the matter.

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‘I we’re not condoning human rights abuses anywhere, it would be the shortest tour the world has ever known.’