Rabat – The Qatar 2022 World Cup is set to begin tomorrow with an opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in the Qatari city Al Khor, but the participation of some high-profile artists, most notably Shakira, remains uncertain.
Spanish reporter Adriana Dorronsoro claimed on a television program on Tuesday that the singer would not be performing at the opening ceremony.
“It’s been confirmed to me that Shakira will not perform at the opening ceremony, but they won’t say if she will have another role throughout the World Cup,” Marca quoted Dorronsoro as saying.
The same television program said that Shakira was supposed to be a guest performer during the ceremony, but that she will now “have to send a statement to explain everything.”
Despite this, there has been no official confirmation from the singer, FIFA, or the organizers on whether she will be participating in the global event.
The reason behind Shakira’s rumored absence – or at least lack of attendance confirmation – remains unknown, though some are speculating that it has to do with the criticism Qatar has been receiving for its treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
British rock singer Rod Stewart said he refused an offer to play in Qatar, citing similar criticism.
Meanwhile, pop star Dua Lipa denied that she was ever in negotiations to play at the event, confirming that she will not be in Qatar for the World Cup.
Although no official list of performers has been released by FIFA, several artists have confirmed their participation in the opening ceremony, including K-pop star Jung Kook, American band Black Eyed Peas, and Bollywood singer Nora Fatehi.
