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Greens call for England to boycott Qatar 2022 World Cup

England's football team should boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in protest over the country's human rights record, the Green Party has said.

Leader Natalie Bennett added her voice to a growing chorus of calls for the team to refuse to take part in the Gulf state-hosted event, amid anger over the gay rights and the exploitation of workers, as well as alleged corruption during the bidding process.

Qatar delegates celebrate winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid Credit: PA

Homosexuality is banned in the country.

In an interview with the Gay Times, Ms Bennett was asked whether England should travel to Qatar.

Personally no, that's my personal opinion. I think there are so many issues around Qatar - gay rights issues, workers' rights issues.

– Natalie Bennett, Green Party

She also called for action to address the "cultural problem" of homosexuality in sports as a whole, with athletes only coming out as gay once they have finished competing.