Not impressed: Dua Lipa has revealed that she was unhappy with ‘speculations’ that she was going to perform at the controversial World Cup in Qatar

Speaking to Variety, Dua said: ‘The World Cup is a really unique opportunity to hold Qatar to account. They made pledges on human rights when they signed the deal for the World Cup that have not been satisfactorily met on migrant workers’ rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights and freedom of expression

‘What kind of message does it send if these pledges mean nothing?’

The star – who recently wrapped her Future Nostalgia tour – added that though she has no ill will against the country, she ‘didn’t like being amongst speculation that I was going to perform for something that really goes against my beliefs.’

Ahead of the World Cup, Dua rubbished rumours she’ll be performing and hit out at Qatar over its human rights record.

Not happening: The singer, 27 – who has previously rubbished claims she’ll take to the stage in Doha – once again drove him her point and stated that though she has ‘nothing against Qatar’, she can’t perform as it ‘really goes against my beliefs’

She wrote in a statement on Instagram: ‘There is a lot of speculation that I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar.

‘I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform.

‘I will be cheering England on from afar and I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.’

She signed off: ‘One love, Dua x’

Shocking: The decision by FIFA to hold the World Cup in Qatar has been surrounded by controversy – particularly in relation to migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community (The England squad pictured at the World Cup)

Speaking out: ‘The World Cup is a really unique opportunity to hold Qatar to account. They made pledges on human rights when they signed the deal for the World Cup that have not been satisfactorily met’

There has been much backlash over the decision to hold the football tournament in the Arab country – where being gay is illegal with a punishment of up to seven years in jail.

While the contractual conditions for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers employed to turn the tiny emirate into a region capable of hosting football’s biggest tournament was also a big concern.

Some campaigners have urged celebrities to boycott the World Cup, with Robbie Williams and David Beckham both coming under criticism for associating with the competition.

As well as Dua, Shakira and Rod Stewart are among performers who denied taking part in the World Cup in Qatar.

Having her say: Ahead of the World Cup, Dua rubbished rumours she’ll be performing and hit out at Qatar over its human rights record

Sir Rod was offered a $1million deal to perform in Qatar, but turned it down because of the Gulf state’s human rights record, the rockstar revealed.

Discussing the controversy surrounding the World Cup host nation – where homo𝑠e𝑥uality is illegal – the singer said he thought it would be wrong to play a set there.

‘I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago,’ Stewart, 77, told the Sunday Times.

‘I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms,’ he said in reference to drones supplied by the country to Russia, which was barred from the tournament.

He added that he thinks supporters attending matches in Qatar – where being gay can lead to imprisonment and even the death sentence for Muslims – ‘have got to watch out’.

Stewart has been considered an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, previously saying he was ‘surrounded by gay men in the 70s’.