Despite Mayor Sadiq Khan’s restriction on promotions from nations with a terrible record on human rights, advertisements for the Qatar World Cup have been plastered all over London buses.
2019 saw the suspension of new advertisements from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Qatar by Transport for London (TfL) after its chairman, Mr. Khan, requested that the company “examine how it conducts advertising and sponsorship from countries with anti-LGBT+ legislation.”
Qatar has a death penalty for male homosexuality, which is against the law. Additionally, it is estimated that up to 6,500 migrant laborers lost their lives constructing its World Cup venues.
The bus advert features the World Cup logo and its official mascot, ‘La’eeb’ – Arabic for ‘super-skilled player’
But adverts have now appeared on some London buses promoting November’s controversial competition.
Last night, critics slammed the Mayor’s apparent U-turn.
Peter Frankental, from Amnesty International UK, said: ‘The World Cup has provided Qatar with a global platform to sportswash its image. It’s galling that countries with an appalling human rights record are allowed to use London’s iconic buses to… gloss over the harm they do.’
Kate Barker, of the LGB Alliance supporting the rights of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals, said: ‘TfL’s pledge not to accept money from homophobic regimes seems to have been written in sand.’
The bus advert features the World Cup logo and its official mascot, ‘La’eeb’ – Arabic for ‘super-skilled player’.
Last week, the Daily Mail revealed that in a promotional video, David Beckham describes Qatar as ‘perfection’ – despite well-documented human rights abuses.
Last week, the Daily Mail revealed that in a promotional video (pictured) , David Beckham describes Qatar as ‘perfection’
The ex-footballer, 47, has been criticised for his multi-million-pound deal to be the face of the nation.
Mr Khan’s office refused to comment, but TfL said the ad was placed by Fifa, football’s world body. Fifa did not respond to a request for comment.