Ultimatum for David Beckham (47). If the ex-footballer doesn't resign from his position as ambassador for the controversial World Cup in Qatar by Sunday's opening game, Joe Lycett (34) will shred £10,000 - and symbolically Beckham's status as a gay icon. The comedian and moderator announced this via Twitter.

David Beckham has been an ambassador for the sporting nation of Qatar since 2021. He is said to collect ten million pounds (approx. 11.5 million euros) annually for his commitment. The World Cup in the emirate is not only controversial because of the exploitation of a number of workers in the construction of the stadiums, but also because homosexuality is punishable in the country.

David Beckham is considered an idol in the LGBTQ community. The former star footballer was one of the first footballers to give interviews to gay magazines and was proud of his homosexual fans. And he married a Spice Girl with Victoria (48). For the comedian Lycett "the gayest thing a person can do".

If Beckham should give in, Joe Lycett wants to donate the 10,000 pounds (approx. 11,383 euros) to organizations that campaign for homosexuality. Of course, Lycett knows that destroying cash is illegal. "But even then I'll probably get off easier than jerking off a guy in Doha," he jokes.

The self-confessed bisexual and pansexual comedian is known in Great Britain for his publicity campaigns. When fashion company Hugo Boss sued a small pub called Boss Brewing for naming rights infringement, Lycett temporarily changed his name to Hugo Boss.