Joe Lycett shares update after sending David Beckham ultimatum about Qatar World Cup

Joe Lycett gave an update since sending an ultimatum to David Beckham over the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Birmingham-born comedian had publicly declared he would shred £10,000 of his own money if David Beckham keeps promoting the Qatar World Cup which starts on Sunday, 20 November.

The comedian shared a video criticising the footballer for becoming an ambassador for the Qatar FIFA World Cup. Lycett said he would donate £10,000 of his own money to charities that support gay people in football if the former England captain withdraws from the World Cup deal - for which the footballer reportedly received £10 million.

However, if he doesn’t, Lycett warned, he will shred the money.

In a latest update, the former Sewing Bee host shared a screenshot of an email sent to Beckham’s PR team.

His letter said: “I’ve managed to get myself into a bit of a pickle – I’ve been a bit daft and publicly announced that I’m going to shred £10K on Sunday if David doesn’t end his relationship with Qatar, or donate the cash to LGBTQ+ charities if he does, yet we’re now four days out and I haven’t heard a peep from him.

“Could you do me a solid and let me know if there’s any chance he might budge on his position, or am I to expect radio silence on this?”

“I really don’t want to shred ten grand!!!” he continued.

“I also really don’t want a national treasure that has historically supported the LGBTQ+ community to publicly endorse and advertise a nation state that has an appalling human rights record and has the death penalty for gays – call me old fashioned!!!!!!

“There’s still time for David and his team to do the right thing. I’m happy to speak to you about this at any time that you find convenient.”

Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws

The Middle Eastern nation has been in the news for its anti-LGBTQ+ laws for which the UK Government also shared travel advice.

The travel advice shared by the UK Government says: “Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Private life in Qatar is largely respected but any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.

“Host authorities have stated that ‘everyone is welcome’ at the World Cup. They have publicly confirmed that there will be no restrictions on non-married friends or couples (including LGBT people) staying in the same room.”