‘I turned it down. It’s not right to go’ Rod Stewart reveals he turned down $1 million to perform in Qatar

Rod Stewart has revealed that he turned down around $1 million to perform in Qatar. This comes just days before the gulf state prepares to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, with the hosts set to play Ecuador on Sunday (November 20).

The revelation came as Stewart, who is from Highgate, London, was discussing the upcoming World Cup. He explained that he was offered around $1 million (£845,000) to perform in Qatar back in 2021.

Speaking to The Times, the legendary musician said “I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago. I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms.”

Stewart’s comments come after comedian Joe Lycett presented David Beckham with an ultimatum. Beckham has penned a deal worth reportedly around £10 million to be an ambassador for the World Cup.

Lycett said that if Beckham continues with his duty as an ambassador, he will shred £10,000. However, if the former Manchester United midfielder pulls out of the deal, the comedian will donate the money to charities that support queer people in football.

Speaking on social media, Lycett said “This is a message to David Beckham. I consider you, along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, to be a gay icon.

“You’re the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl, which is the gayest thing a human being can do.

“But now it’s 2022. And you signed a reported £10m deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup. Qatar was voted as one of the worst places in the world to be gay. Homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment and, if you’re Muslim, possibly even death.”