Ryan Tubridy says he is glad in a way that Ireland haven't qualified for the World Cup due to the controversy around the tournament taking place in Qatar.
The World Cup kicks off on Sunday, with the hosts facing Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament at 4pm Irish time.
Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal, has been heavily criticised for its human rights record ahead of the tournament, especially around the country's attitude to migrant workers who worked on building the stadiums to host the competition.
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Tubridy highlighted the 6,500 migrant workers who have died working on the stadiums on his RTE Radio 1 show on Wednesday, while saying that David Beckham, who is a Qatar World Cup ambassador, is "treading very dangerous territory".
He said: "The Qatar issue doesn't begin and end with homosexuality. They've migrant workers whose families are all looking for answers as to why and how they died building the stadiums that are involved in the staging of this World Cup.
"David Beckham is treading very dangerous territory here... his brand and reputation is in danger of being severely damaged. It's getting very close for him to consider not getting involved now."
Tubridy continued by saying he's "kind of glad" that the Boys in Green are not playing in Qatar.
He added: "It's beginning to feel uncomfortable. In some ways, I'm kind of glad we're not there, I know that sounds strange to say... of course I want Ireland to qualify and would be a proud Irishman. But in some ways, if we were there, it would cause all sorts of hassle.
"We can avoid that hassle by virtue of not qualifying. Maybe fates were kind in some ways because they're conversations you would not want to have. It's not pretty, it's not kind."
The FAI released a statement on Tuesday, condemning Qatar's human rights record.
It read: "Ahead of the opening game in the FIFA World Cup 2022, the FAI has made clear its position around the important and ongoing debate around human rights issues and the protection of migrant workers in the host country, Qatar.
"The Association has corresponded with Amnesty International Ireland ahead of the tournament and has stated clearly its strong belief that football can be a positive force to highlight inequalities in society and should be a catalyst for real, positive and sustainable societal change."
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill added: “The FAI supports the call for the protection and support of migrant workers and their families and for basic human rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community to be respected at all times.
“We trust that the significant media attention on the Tournament in the coming days and weeks will do much to shine a light on these important issues and that football can reflect on the role it can play in effecting societal change.”
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