David Beckham has been forced to leave his £20,000-a-night hotel suite after fans learned of his location.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star, who is one of Qatar's World Cup ambassadors, was staying at the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Doha, located in the city's exclusive Mesheirb district. Beckham's accommodation was kitted out with its own dining area, private concierge, open air courtyard and private pool and gym.
Beckham though checked out at the weekend, according to the Daily Mail, as it increasingly became common knowledge that he was staying at the hotel. The England legend was referred to as "Sir David" by staff, who are keen to have him stay in the future.
It remains unknown whether he has returned to the UK or remains in Qatar at another location. "The staff have loved having him here and referred to him as 'Sir David' because he was so respectful and respected back by everyone," said a source.
"He wasn't seen much at all by the other guests because he had a lovely suite which is like a hotel within a hotel, meaning he didn't need to mix with them. He's been very polite and charming to the staff and seems like a very decent man. Sir David is one of the most famous men in world football and it's been an honour having him here. It's a pity he's no longer here but I'm sure he'll be back. Who wouldn't love staying here?"
Beckham was being taken around Qatar in a limousine with blacked out windows so as to keep him secret. He was also entering and exiting the luxury hotel via a private entrance. The 47-year-old has been attending England's group games whilst also taking in the sights.
His involvement with the Middle Eastern country has copped criticism however. Beckham has a long-standing relationship with the Qataris having seen out his career with PSG, who are owned by the state of Qatar. The footballer turned club co-owner was keen to emphasise the positives of holding a World Cup in Asia, despite concerns over their human rights and LGBTQ issues.
He said in a speech: "Almost two decades ago, a small group of football lovers from Qatar had an equally fantastic dream: that they could bring the greatest football show on earth to their home country and to the Middle East for the very first time. And now we are here."
However the Three Lions Pride Group co-founder Di Cunningham has said: “I’m just so disappointed because we – the LGBTQ+ football family – have put David Beckham on a pedestal, as a great ally and then it turns out that he’s taking a lot of money to be an ambassador for this World Cup, and that’s incredibly disappointing. So I really hope that the message has got through that people will be criticised for that.”
