Football icon, David Beckham, is set to be unveiled next month as the face of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The former Three Lions captain, 46, nicknamed Goldenballs, signed a deal worth £15million a year over the next decade to become the country’s ambassador and will be unveiled as the face of the Qatar World Cup in November.
Earlier this month, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint Germain and LA Galaxy star, flew into the capital, Doha, for a week touring stadiums and meeting dignitaries ahead of next year’s tournament.
The oil-rich nation has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, particularly its attitude towards women and gay people.
However, Beckham was assured fans would be safe and allowed to display rainbow flags in stadiums, the symbol of the LGBTQ community.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, but the application of the law has become progressively more liberal as witnessed in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It is been reported Beckham was also informed about a growing female presence in government, as he consulted with wife Victoria, 47, whose pop band, The Spice Girls, famously sung about “girl power”, before signing.
On Saturday, a source claimed Beckham believes in Qatar’s commitment to progress and that the World Cup, the first to be held in the Arab world, can affect significant positive change.
The source also claimed Beckham strongly believes in the power of football to bridge differences and has crucially seen the progress on issues that matter.
Beckham, who has had links with the Qataris since he played for Paris St-Germain, will also promote tourism and culture.
The source went on saying by signing Beckham, the hope is more westerners will be encouraged to see Qatar’s beautiful beaches, vast expanses of sand dunes and incredible skyscrapers.
A spokeswoman for Beckham also said the football icon always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels.
