Pop star Dua Lipa has denied rumours that she’s performing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
On 20 November, teams from around the world are set to compete in the highly-anticipated sporting event – which will be held in the Gulf region.
However since the tournament was announced, activists, fans and football professionals have expressed concerns over its location due to the country’s human rights record.
There have also been several recent reports from organisations that have highlighted Qatar’s mistreatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community.
With the World Cup right around the corner, new information has started to circulate regarding the tournament – including Lipa headling the opening ceremony.
However on 13 November, the Levitating singer shut down the rumours that she would be participating in the controversial sporting event.
“There is currently a lot of speculation that I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the world cup in Qatar. I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform,” she wrote via her Instagram Story.
Dua Lipa clears rumors about performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar.
‘I will not be performing & nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform […] I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fullfilled all the human rights pledges it made’ pic.twitter.com/Ca7DA9H1bC
— Pop Base (@PopBase) November 13, 2022
“I will be cheering England on from afar, and I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup. One love.”
Lipa isn’t the only public figure to shed light on Qatar’s human rights issues.
Back in October, players from the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) – aka the Socceroos – called on the gulf region to introduce inclusive changes regarding their conservative laws.
“Through football, those of us that have had the honour to represent our country have had the opportunity to learn about the world and its people,” the players said in a video message.
“There are universal values that should define football. Values such as respect, dignity, trust and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values.”
The PFA athletes also showcased their support for the LGBTQ+ community, stating: “As players, we fully support the rights of the LGBTI+ people, but in Qatar, people are not free to love the person that they choose.”
Alongside Lipa and the Socceroos, the Denmark and England football teams have also shown support for the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers ahead of the coveted tournament.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is set to take place between 20 November and 18 December.
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