Joe Lycett increases pressure on David Beckham over Qatar World Cup
Watch below: Joe Lycett is ready to shred £10k if David Beckham doesn't speak out against Qatar
Comedian Joe Lycett has upped the pressure on David Beckham over his stand on gay rights and the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Beckham is an ambassador for the country but has been criticised by many, including Lycett, for not commenting on the country's stance on gay rights with homosexuality illegal in Qatar.
Earlier this week, Lycett challenged Beckham to withdraw from his deal with Qatar to promote the World Cup or he will shred £10,000 of his own money on Sunday, 20 November, when the World Cup kicks off.
The comedian has now elaborated on his challenge to Beckham during an interview with fellow comedian Richard Herring.
Read more: Joe Lycett threatens to shred £10,000 as he calls out David Beckham's £10m World Cup deal
Lycett said of Beckham: "He's so influential, he's so regarded, that will have an effect. And if I can push – that's the only thing I can do... The most power I've got is to go through his power."
The comedian also admitted that he thought there was a 'low chance' of Beckham walking away from his role with Qatar.
Regarding shredding £10,000 of his own money, Lycett confessed that the move was "bold" and will "p*** a lot of people off", but that he had his shredder ready for Sunday either way.
Lycett also revealed on social media that he had been in contact with Beckham's publicist and posted the email he sent on Twitter.
Lycett wrote: "Could you do me a solid and let me know if there's any chance he might budge on his position or am I to expect radio silence on this? I really don't want to shred ten grand!
"I also really don't want a national treasure that has historically supported the LGBTQ+ community to publicly endorse and advertise a nation state that has an appalling human rights record and has the death penalty for gays."
Lycett signed off the email: "There's still time for David to do the right thing."
The former footballer has yet to comment on Lycett or his role with Qatar.
