‘I will highlight those issues like I have for years!’
Gary Neville has confirmed he will be working for Qatar’s state-owned beIN Sports during the 2022 World Cup, but has vowed to continue shining a light on some of the wider issues relating to the country’s hosting of the tournament.
In a tweet sent on Wednesday, Neville confirmed he will split his time between roles with beIN and ITV Sport. Having looked at some of the controversies associated with the World Cup in recent documentary Gary Neville’s Countdown To Qatar, he vowed to continue to highlight those issues.
Yes I’m going to the World Cup and yes working for ITV and Bein. I will highlight those issues like I have for years! https://t.co/QeFipUvZaP
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) October 5, 2022
In the latest documentary, which follows previous film, Gary Neville in Qatar, which was shot in 2019, the former England international was visibly shocked when viewing living facilities for some of the migrant workers tasked with preparing Qatar for the tournament.
Qatar World Cup shrouded in controversy
Preparations for the tournament have been blighted by negative headlines relating to Qatar‘s treatment of its migrant workforce. The country has disputed reports that thousands of migrants have died.
Qatar’s attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights have also been under the spotlight. While FIFA and Qatari authorities have insisted everyone is welcome to the tournament, an investigation conducted by Swedish and Danish media found several hotels in the country refused to allow gay couples to stay, with others asking them to change their behaviour.
beIN Sport
beIN Sports was launched a decade ago, and his headed by Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain and chairman of the European Clubs Association.
Since their formation, they have secured a series of lucrative broadcasting contracts with UEFA for the Champions League and other club competitons.
Beckham criticised for Qatar ambassadorial role
Earlier this year, Neville’s friend and former teammate David Beckham was criticised for accepting what is believed to be a lucrative ambassador role with Qatar. He has since appeared in an advertising campaign promoting the country as a tourism destination.
Neville interviewed Beckham in Qatar for The Overlap, but was criticised for not using the opportunity to ask about the country’s human rights record.
Related links:
- David Beckham criticised for praising timing of Qatar World Cup
- Qatar hit back at Hummel for Denmark World Cup shirt protest
- Eric Cantona says David Beckham is making a ‘big mistake’ promoting Qatar World Cup
