David Beckham has made his first public assertion on his controversial multi-million-dollar ambassador’s function with World Cup hosts Qatar, telling the New York Times he believed “sport has the power to be a force for good in the world”.
In an article on Friday entitled “The World Cup’s Missing Mouthpiece”, the US newspaper alleged Qatar had been disenchanted with its return on its funding as a result of the previous Manchester United and Real Madrid participant had appeared little or no in public throughout the World Cup.
The paper claimed Beckham had positioned strict situations on his appearances and that he seemed to be shielded from questions on points akin to Qatar’s legal guidelines on homosexuality.
In response to the article, his publicist issued an announcement saying: “David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world.
“We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region,” the assertion continued.
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“We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy toward all people and that progress will be achieved.”
Initial stories final yr indicated that 47-year-old Beckham was being paid $180 million over 10 years to advertise Qatar, however newer stories point out he’ll obtain round $15 million a yr for 3 years with an possibility to increase.
Beckham, who performed within the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup finals for England, is among the homeowners of Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.