Here Is Why Dua Lipa Refuses To Perform At The 2022 FIFA World Cup In Qatar
By Fiyin Olowokandi on November 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM EST
Fans of Dua Lipa wouldn't be seeing the singer wow them during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is to be hosted in Qatar. Unfortunately, there are uneventful circumstances beyond the control of the pop singer.
Lipa, in a recent post on Instagram, debunked baseless rumors which had been making rounds that she would be gracing the event and performing for the opening ceremony.
The “One Kiss” singer, while informing the public of her non-performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, used the opportunity to state her reasons for her absence.
Dua Lipa’s Reason For Her Non-Performance At The 2022 FIFA World Cup
The “Levitating” singer, in a recent post made to her Instagram story, sent out a full disclaimer, informing her fans and the public in general of her planned absence at the event taking place in Qatar.
The songwriter didn’t have any personal grievances towards the Arab country other than their non-acceptance and disregard for certain human rights, which they’ve blatantly refused to acknowledge due to the country’s religion and customs.
Lipa penned down a few lines, explaining and outlining her reason for her decision. She began by clearing any misconceptions going around.
She wrote, “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.”
She, however, affirmed that she would be rooting for her country England from the comfort of her home and would only have a change of heart as regards visiting the country once they agree to fulfill their human rights obligations.
“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 x,” she concluded.
Die-hard fans of Lipa are presumed to understand the singer’s point of view, knowing her free-spirited nature, which she usually portrays in her music video.
Qatar’s World Cup Ambassador Released Shocking Controversial Statements
Just as the “New Rules” singer spoke out against Qatar’s disregard for human rights, other individuals from all over the world have heavily criticized the country for the strict enforcement of its laws and non-compliance with human rights standards.
Per Marca, Qatar’s 2022 World Cup ambassador and former Qatari national team player, Khalid Salman, during an interview, addressed the subject of homosexuality and its illegality in his country.
Speaking generally and also focusing on attendees from other countries to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he said, “They have to accept our rules here. [Homosexuality] is haram. You know what haram means?”
When the host proceeded to ask Salman why it was Haram or forbidden, he said, “I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind.”
On the other hand, former Fifa president Sepp Blatter admitted that he regretted having allowed Qatar to host the world cup.
In his words, “The choice of Qatar was a mistake, and I take my responsibility because I was the FIFA president at the time” he added, “Qatar is a small country. Football and World Cups are for big countries.”
Trevor Noah Showered The “Love Again” Singer With Sweet Words
It would appear that the talented disco/pop singer does have a gravitating effect that draws people's attention to her. One of the many people captivated by her charm is South African comedian Trevor Noah.
Per The Blast, “The Daily Show” host reflected on his relationship with Lipa on her iHeartRadio podcast, “Dua Lipa: At Your Service.” The comedian, while speaking to the “Love Again” singer, disclosed how he used Lipa’s presence to gauge his success and noted that the pair usually met at award shows.
He said, “I even said to my friend one day, I said, ‘Every time I see Dua Lipa, it’s at an award show. So now that means if I see her, my life is going well’. So, now I just hope to see her more so that it means my life is still going exceptionally well.”
The 38-year-old had more lovely things to say about her, adding, “You’ve always been really wonderful and gracious. You’ve always been a really wonderful light, just like in the spaces that everybody’s in. So, thank you for taking the time. I appreciate you”.
