Exclusive:
Music legend Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish are liaising with activist Peter Tatchell on the World Cup in Qatar
Image: PA)
Sir Elton John is backing a high-profile protest over the World Cup being held in Qatar next year.
Activist Peter Tatchell says the Middle Eastern country’s record on human rights and LGBT issues should preclude it as host of football’s top competition.
And he has revealed that football fan Sir Elton, 74, and husband David Furnish, 59, are supporting his fight.
Peter, 69, said: “Elton and David have been fantastic. We are hoping to work together over the Qatar World Cup.
“Elton is supporting my mission. I know he is concerned about the World Cup being held in Qatar.
“I will be liaising with him to ensure something significant happens to profile the abuse of human rights in that country. He is a good guy, Elton.”
Peter said he was keeping details of the protest under wraps for now. He revealed: “Let’s just say I will be doing something to raise awareness… but I will do what I do best.
“I mooted my idea with Elton and David sometime ago and I spoke to David and they are being supportive.
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Getty Images for BAFTA)
“Elton is a big football supporter and that is how he feels. I don’t know if he will pay for the trip but it is in the early stages. He said he would be willing to help and support around Qatar.”
The involvement of Sir Elton, who is the Honorary Life-President of Watford football club, could potentially put him at loggerheads with David Beckham.
The former England star is reportedly being paid £10million to help promote the competition.
Elton is godfather to Beckham’s eldest two boys, Brooklyn and Romeo. Peter said: “I am very unhappy with David’s decision to act as an ambassador for Qatar. He claims presumably he will be able to influence things from the inside but nobody previously has succeeded in doing that.
“I hope he will think again and perhaps start putting some pressure on Qatar to deliver some reform.”
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Victoria Beckham / Instagram)
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Getty Images for the Elton John)
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Elton and David recently financed and executive produced the Netflix documentary Hating Peter Tatchell, which had its premiere last month in London.
Last month Elton said of Peter: “He has spent his life campaigning for human rights and especially equal rights for the LGBT community.”
Tom Daley recently lashed out at the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar.
He said: “Not only is it not safe for LGBT people, it is not safe for women.”
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