The Qatar World Cup will kick off next Sunday, November 20, 2022 with a match between Qatar and Ecuador.
For months there has been talk that there will be guest artists such as Shakira or J Balbin for the opening. However, many of the rumors that ran were about the presence of the English artist Dua Lipa, rumors that she herself has wanted to settle about her presence at the opening of the sports competition through messages spread by her social networks.
It is not the first time that the country has caused controversy for its treatment of LGTBIQ+ people, women or foreigners. This time, the artist has not hesitated her decision, a decision that was consolidated after the statements of the World Cup ambassador, who explains homosexuality as “mental damage”, becoming a crime in the place.
The artist also assures not to have been involved in any of the negotiations carried out given the lack of compliance with all human rights, a support also shown by the England coach Gareth Southgate, who assures that he will not hesitate to defend the rights of the collective during the competition.
The acclaimed artist thus takes the opposite to FIFA, which asks teams to “let soccer on stage above political and social issues”. But Dua Lipa was not the only one to refuse: many artists such as Mel C, former Spice Girl, or the comedian Joe Lycett also refuse to take part. On the contrary, David Beckham becomes one of the biggest supporters of the celebration, for which he has been severely criticized.
Even so, the 27-year-old singer of “Physical” says she will be cheering on her national team from her home country.
Lorena Almansa
