The singer has called out Beckham for his deal and continuing silence (Picture: Lorne Thomson/Redferns)
Will Young has delivered a blistering attack on David Beckham for his lucrative deal with Qatar to act as an ambassador during the World Cup.
Taking to Instagram, the singer posted a fierce open letter, criticising the human rights abuse that is ongoing in Qatar, as well as slamming Beckham for his involvement, which Young wrote left him ‘more disappointed than I can say’.
He also challenged the footballer to donate part of his reported earnings every year to LGBTQ+ charities so that ‘something can be salvaged from this odious deal’.
Homosexuality is illegal in the Middle Eastern nation and there have been questions over the deaths of local workers helping to build stadiums for the sporting event.
Young wrote in his post: ‘Qatar is of course not the only country in the world with appalling records on human rights. The argument that sport is not political is duplicitous and two faced. Look at South Africa during apartheid, look at Russia now. Who decides the yays and the nays?’
‘What is undoubtedly clear however is a star like you @davidbeckham who I once sang for (not for any money I hasten to add) at your birthday has disappointed me more than I can say,’ he added.
Beckham has attracted criticism for his World Cup role from others, including comedian Joe Lycett (Picture: Getty)
Detailing their personal connection, the Pop Idol star then laid out his frustrations with Beckham’s silence on the matter.
‘Our paths crossed a fair few times due to being with 19 Management and you were always friendly and generous. People do things for money we all know that. Here is what irks me the most – not a WHISPER from yourself David to show solidarity, not a WHISPER from yourself to show support for the practical massacre of migrant workers, not a WHISPER David to help LGBTQIA+ communities living under constant danger.
‘The decision to take the alleged £150 million over 15 years is greedy enough, the burying of your head in the sand from you, your team and your advisers is repellent and cowardice personified.’
Young shared his frustrations over Beckham not speaking up for the LGBTQ+ community or migrant workers (Picture: C Brandon/Redferns)
Beckham in the stands at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday for the FIFA World Cup Group B match (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA)
Laying out his challenge, Young continued: ‘So here is what I suggest if you won’t change your mind: give £1 million to LGBTQIA+ charities in Qatar every year that you get your £10 million a year.
‘Can something be salvaged from this odious deal? Perhaps those funds can help provide much needed safety to those living in terror whilst your posters smile down on the people of Qatar.’
The post has already attracted thousands of likes, including from comedian Joe Lycett, who issued his own challenge to the retired athlete and gay icon of many years standing.
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On November 13, Lycett threatened to shred £10,000 unless Beckham ended his relationship with Qatar.
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Beckham did not respond to the threat, with Lycett later posting a video of himself shredding the money – but went on to reveal later than he had already made a donation to LGBTQ+ charities, as he said he would if Beckham backed out of his deal, and that the money coming out of the shredder was fake.
Lycett has now confirmed: ‘To those asking the charities were @stonewalluk and their Rainbow Laces campaign and @SportAllies,’ before urging fans to also donate if they can.
Metro.co.uk has contacted David Beckham’s reps for comment.
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The singer has asked the footballer to donate some of his earnings to charity.
