David Beckham 'agrees £150MILLION ambassador deal with Qatar' that will see him be the face of 2022 World Cup and 'promote tourism and culture' in the country for the next DECADE

  • David Beckham is expected to reveal a £150 million deal with Qatar next month
  • It will see him be a leading figure in the country's build-up to the 2022 World Cup
  • As part of the deal Beckham will also promote tourism and culture in the country
  • It is likely decision will be controversial considering Qatar's human rights record 

David Beckham is believed to have agreed a £150million deal to become an ambassador for the country over the decade, which will result in him being the face of the 2022 World Cup.

It is move that has been met with fierce criticism by many, with the Manchester United icon being accused of duplicity in the country's sportswashing campaign.

The England legend was pictured in the country earlier this month, taking in various sights including some of the stadiums to be used for next year's tournament.


According to The Sun, Beckham will have an official role as part of a deal to be announced next month that will also see him promote tourism and culture in Qatar.

David Beckham is believed to have agreed a £150 million deal to be an ambassador for Qatar

David Beckham is believed to have agreed a £150 million deal to be an ambassador for Qatar

The England legend was pictured in the country earlier this month being shown around

The England legend was pictured in the country earlier this month being shown around

It's reported that the 46-year-old was told rainbow flags would be allowed at the World Cup, in a country which has faced criticism for its human rights record, especially towards gay people and women.  

'David has always talked about the power of football as a force for good on many levels,' a spokeswoman for Beckham told The Sun.

'As we reach the one year to go point he will join the wider football community that is coming together for the World Cup 2022 and he's looking forward to what he thinks will be a great tournament.'

Beckham's relationship with Qatar is not a new one, stemming back to his time as a player at Paris Saint-Germain.  

As part of the deal it is expected that Beckham will become the face of the 2022 World Cup

As part of the deal it is expected that Beckham will become the face of the 2022 World Cup

It is understood the ambassadorial deal came about as a result of Beckham's close friendship with the Qatari president of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, when the former Manchester United star played for the club in 2013.

The pair were photographed laughing together at an international match in Qatar in 2019 and Beckham has become a frequent visitor to the country – he is due back in Qatar next month to watch the Formula One Grand Prix hosted by the desert state.

Speaking in 2019 about the World Cup in Qatar, Beckham spoke of his jealously at not getting the chance to be there as a player.

He said: 'I think as a player and a fan you want to visit a World Cup competition with great facilities, safe facilities, great hotels and great culture – and that's what Qatar is all about.

'I wish I was still playing because to play in stadiums like this, it's a dream. Players are going to be spoilt.'

Beckham became close with Qatari president of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in his time in France

Beckham became close with Qatari president of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, in his time in France

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