Comedian Joe Lycett has issued a challenge to David Beckham that he ends his relationship with Qatar in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup.

Beckham is set to earn millions of pounds from his position as an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup. Qatar has come in for criticism for it's position on LGBTQ+ rights and its 'morality' laws.

In a video posted on social media and the website benderslikebeckham.com, Lycett says: “This is a message to David Beckham. I consider you, along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, to be a gay icon. You were the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl which is the gayest thing a human being can do.”

He added: “If you end your relationship with Qatar I will donate 10 grand of my own money to charities that support queer people in football.

“However, if you do not I will throw the money into a shredder at midday next Sunday, just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it right here. Not just the money, but also your status as a gay icon will be shredded.”

Watch Joe Lycett's instagram post here.

Joe Lycett Picture: Matt Crockett