Lionesses defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has admitted she will not watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar because of the country’s stance on women, homosexuality and human rights.The Arsenal centre-back, who was part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad at Euro 2022 earlier this year, stressed that she will be supporting the England men’s team, but cannot bring herself to enjoy the matches. Gareth Southgate’s side kick-off their World Cup journey in Qatar in less than two weeks and face Iran, Wales and the USA in their three group games. A number of England’s men’s team players were in attendance for the Lionesses' historic victory against Germany at Wembley, yet Wubben-Moy has insisted that she has to honour her values. 

What has Wubben-Moy said? 

Speaking on why she has decided to not watch the World Cup, the England star said: "It’s tough. As an England team we all have strong values and a lot of those values aren’t reflected, in the way that we see it, in Qatar.”

The defender, who will travel with the Lionesses to play Japan and Norway in two upcoming friendlies, added: "I will be supporting the men’s team, but I won’t be watching. It’s hard to talk about but at the end of the day, we’re one team here at England and we know that they have an opportunity to play at a World Cup and it’s hard to look beyond that really.

"Sport is a very strong vehicle for change. To underestimate that would be naive. I’ve seen a lot of the players have strong viewpoints and I salute them, and I wish them the best in looking to express that throughout this World Cup.

"A lot of the players might not ever play in a World Cup again, so I can’t comment on them choosing to go because many people would take that same choice. But [if] they can use this opportunity to help bring about change, I think that’s important.”

TEDDINGTON, ENGLAND - JULY 25: Lotte Wubben-Moy of England looks on during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 England training session at The Lensbury on July 25, 2022 in Teddington, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

What have other players said?

Wubben-Moy is not the only player to have spoken out against the World Cup being in Qatar. 

Man City star Alex Greenwood said: "We obviously can’t choose where the World Cup is happening. We have to try to change the negative into a positive and speak about the things that we can maybe highlight and what we believe in as a country and that’s for all women to have equal rights. That’s something we’ll talk about openly, and I’m sure the men will do the same.”

England men’s captain Harry Kane will reportedly wear a OneLove armband while out in Qatar, in support of the LGBTQ+ community, even if it is prohibited by FIFA. 

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 23: Harry Kane of England shakes hands with Gareth Southgate, Manager of England after the final whistle of the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Italy and England at San Siro on September 23, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Who is Lotte Wubben-Moy? 

So far, Wubben-Moy has made eight appearances for England and was part of the Great Britain side at the Tokyo Olympics. 

VIDEO: Lotte Wubben-Moy reflects on her own form

She has long been a vocal advocate for equality and helped pen a letter to the British government after the Euros, calling for equal access to football in schools.

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