Tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King has said the 2022 World Cup can open minds and become a power for good in Qatar amid widespread criticism over the host nation’s human rights abuses.
Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers and restrictive social laws which prohibit same-sex relationships has caused significant criticism of FIFA’s decision to hold the tournament in the country.
But King, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 for her advocacy work on behalf of women and the LGBTQ+ community, said it is important to “be an influencer.”
Asked if she would be happy to host the WTA’s Billie Jean Cup finals in Qatar, King said: “I probably would be because, first of all, the WTA went there years ago.
“I get a lot of different people coming to me saying ‘why would you play there the way they treat women?’
“But personally I think it’s important to show up and be an influencer. I think it’s delicate, no question. But I think it’s important to go if you get the opportunity and everything else fits too, not just go there for money or whatever.”
