Prince William has no plans to travel to Qatar for the World Cup

Prince William, president of the England football federation, has no plans to travel to Qatar for the World Cup, a source close to the heir to the British throne told AFP on Friday.

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William “has no intention of going” to Qatar for the major sporting event, a source close to the prince told AFP, referring to an already busy schedule, confirming information reported by local media.

As the competition approaches November 20, Doha is the subject of strong criticism due to its multiple human rights violations, particularly involving women, LGBTQ + people or migrants working on stadium construction.

The English press reported for the first time that Prince William had to travel to Qatar to attend the matches of the Three Lions.

But, according to the prince’s friends quoted by the tabloid The suneven if England made it to the final, an away match would be unlikely and, if it took place, would be part of a simple government delegation.

During his team’s games, England captain Harry Kane will wear a rainbow-colored headband with the message “One Love” as part of an anti-discrimination campaign. The team captains of France and Germany, among others, are expected to convey a similar message.

On Wednesday, British diplomacy chief James Cleverly sparked controversy by asking LGBTQ + football fans to abide by Qatari law, where homosexuality is illegal, urging them to show “flexibility” and be able to “compromise”.