There are currently no plans for Rishi Sunak to travel to Qatar in support of England and Wales during the World Cup, the UK Government has stated.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters: “No plans for the PM to attend, but we confirm travel nearer the time.”

Asked if there was a ban on attendance for MPs, they replied: “Not that I’m aware of.”

The question of if there would be a ban in place for MPs travelling to Qatar has been raised due to a number of organisations choosing to snub this year’s competition.

Many have decided to take a stand against Qatar's treatment of migrant workers in building the infrastructure for the tournament and its criminalisation of same-sex relationships.

Oxford Mail: Welsh players will have the freedom to speak their mind on issues at the World Cup the FAW has saidWelsh players will have the freedom to speak their mind on issues at the World Cup the FAW has said (Image: PA)

Shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell announced last month that Labour would not be sending a delegation to the Middle East nation.

The England and Wales squads have opted to wear the ‘One Love’ armbands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during matches.

Additionally, the Football Association of Wales said its players have been told they have the freedom to speak out on any issues that concern them when the tournament is on.


READ MORELGBT fans to boycott World Cup in Qatar over country's stance on the community


Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, has claimed he has “no plans” to attend the World Cup due to a busy winter schedule but may look at going if England reaches the final.

Fifa has written to all teams competing telling them to “now focus on the football” following a controversial build-up.

Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told French newspaper Le Monde the reasoning behind the boycotts “do not add up”.

He added: “There is a lot of hypocrisy in these attacks, which ignore all that we have achieved."