Sir Rod Stewart said he’d been asked to perform in the controversial Arab country 15 months ago
(Picture: PA Wire)Sir Rod Stewart has revealed he turned down more than $1 million (approximately £845,000) to play in Qatar.
While discussing the forthcoming World Cup in a new interview, the musician, 77, said he’d been asked to play a show in the country in 2021.
“I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago,” he said.
“I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms.”
The Do Ya Think I'm Sexy rocker’s comments came as pop star Dua Lipa slammed rumours that she would be performing at the World Cup.
After reports linking her to the Qatar event, Lipa said on Instagram: “There is currently a lot of speculation that I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar.
“I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform.
“I will be cheering England on from afar and I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.
“One love, Dua.”
But while Lipa and Stewart have turned down the lucrative opportunity to perform in the Arab country, David Beckham has not.
The former England player caused a backlash after accepting an alleged £10 million offer to be a World Cup ambassador for a country where homosexuality is illegal.
Beckham was previously considered a great ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Robbie Williams’s decision to play in Qatar in December has attracted similar criticism.
TV presenter Paul O’Grady said: “I’m surprised at Robbie... No amount of money would get me there.”
The treatment of the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar has become a cause for concern for football fans heading to the World Cup.
Many have said they fear for their safety at the global football extravaganza, which kicks off on November 20 in Doha.
