England and Arsenal star Beth Mead has said she is disappointed that the men’s World Cup will be held in Qatar and refuses to back or promote the tournament.
Qatar was a hugely controversial choice for the finals when it was awarded the 2022 tournament 12 years ago, not least because same-sex activity is a criminal offence there with the possibility of a prison sentence of one to three years for adults convicted of consensual gay or lesbian sex.
There is no recognition of civil partnerships in the Gulf state, which does not allow people to campaign for LGBTQI+ rights.
When asked about the tournament which starts on Nov. 20, Mead told the BBC: “For me, from the minute it was announced I thought: ‘I mean, it’s not the best idea.’
“The way they think and how they go is the complete opposite to what I believe and respect, and although I’m cheering for the boys who are going to play football there, I still don’t believe it’s the right place.
