With the 2022 FIFA World Cup around the corner and host nation Qatar embroiled in criticism for its human rights abuses , Rod Stewart revealed during an interview with The Times that he turned down a lucrative performance at the anticipated event.

I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1 million, to play there 15 months ago, Stewart told the outlet in an interview published Sunday . Its not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms [to Russia].

While soccer teams around the globe are preparing for Sundays kickoff, celebrities, politicians and activists have excoriated Qatar for its treatment of women, LGBTQ people and migrant workers, 37 of whom reportedly died building Qatars stadiums.

Pop star Dua Lipa recently announced on Instagram that she will not be performing at the 2022 World Cup and looks forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host.

Some national soccer teams have indicated plans to speak out while participating.

The U.S. Soccer Federation will replace the teams usual crest of seven red stripes with stripes of different colors to signal its support for the LGBTQ community. The crest was made for the federations Be the Change initiative, which also advocates for stricter gun control .

England manager Gareth Southgate , a former player, told NME last week that the team will vocalize support for human rights during the games. He said England stands for inclusivity, but added that we would like to focus primarily on the football.