David Beckham's team has issued a statement saying he understands there are "different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East" after being criticised by comedian Joe Lycett.
A spokesperson for the former footballer, 47, who has struck a deal with World Cup host Qatar, said he sees it as "positive" that debate about "key issues" has been "stimulated" by the contest being held in the country.
In a special edition of Joe Lycett's Got Your Back, which aired on Channel 4 on Thursday, Lycett, 34, read out the statement in full: "David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he’s always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world.
"Football, the most popular sport globally, has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities.
"We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.
"We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved."
Last month, the comic gave the former England footballer an ultimatum to pull out of his deal with World Cup hosts Qatar, where homosexuality is still illegal, or he would destroy £10,000 of his own money.
Lycett said he would instead donate the money to LGBTQ+ charities if Beckham ended the controversial sponsorship, reportedly worth £10 million, before the tournament started, and if not, he would live stream himself shredding the money along with Beckham's "status as gay icon".
The Birmingham-born comedian appeared to initially stand by his decision by sharing a video of him shredding what looked like wads of cash, but the following day he admitted he had not destroyed the money but had in fact donated it to LGBTQ+ charities.
Source: Press Association
