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Prince William will not watch England’s Three Lions at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month amid growing concerns about Doha’s human rights record, a report has claimed. The Duke of Cambridge, who first became President of the Football Association in 2006, was expected to follow Gareth Southgate’s side as they seek World Cup glory in the Middle East.
Sources close to the Prince of Wales, who is also a massive Aston Villa fan, blamed a busy diary during the World Cup campaign for his absence, the Sun has revealed.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have already booked in a trip to Boston for the Earthshot Prize on December 2.
The visit to the City on the Hill could come just a day before England or Wales could face their first knock-out game, provided either side comes out on top in Group B.
The Three Lions will take on Iran in their first World Cup match on November 21.
England then face the USA on November 25 before a massive clash against Wales on November 29 as the Dragons appear in their first FIFA World Cup since 1958.
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However, hosts Qatar have come under fire ahead of the tournament as the Middle Eastern nation faces protests over poor conditions for stadium workers.
Doha also faces questions about its stance on homosexuality as LGBT+ activist Peter Tatchell said he was “arrested and detained” for staging a protest in the Qatari capital.
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar due to its strict Islamic rulers.
According to the Sun, Prince William is not likely to attend even if England reach the World Cup Final and if he did it would likely be part of a Government delegation.
England skipper and Spurs striker Harry Kane is among several captains planning to wear a rainbow ‘OneLove’ armband during the tournament.
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However, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was slammed after he warned gay fans against being “disrespectful” in Qatar.
The Brexit-backing Braintree MP said: “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation.
“They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
Sir Keir Starmer, who supports Premier League leaders Arsenal, pledged to watch the tournament at home “on the sofa” as Labour boycotts the World Cup.
Shadow Sports Secretary Lucy Powell told MailOnline: “Of course, I am looking forward to the World Cup and I’ll be cheering England on.
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