Akon: Qatar World Cup 'needs to stay where it’s at'

"I think it needs to stay where it’s at. You gotta think, soccer is a universal sport. And yes it will be in areas where people share cultures that you may not agree. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong.  You know, people don't agree with cultures in the west, people don't agree with cultures in the east.

Everywhere you go in the world everyone had adapted a culture that they came up and was brought up on. And we just as people have to take the time to educate ourselves to those cultures to better understand it. We can't just assume our culture or the way we live is better than someone else's.

And I think the World Cup, doing things like this, actually if they continue to keep it there, it will set a big precedent. You know what I mean? And it shows that soccer is for everybody, regardless of what. You know what I mean? That the sport itself should be shared."

Akon was born in the United States but spent his formative years in Senegal, where he developed a strong passion for football and music. As a vocal fan of international football and as someone who has previously performed in Qatar, TMZ apparently thought his view on the 2022 World Cup was important.

"I think if they move it, it will put a big dent in FIFA. It really would, in a negative way. Yes, I really believe so. And I think that, you know, people should keep the integrity of allowing the sport to be for all. You know what I mean? Because it's for all of us to share."

Qatar will be the first Middle Eastern country to host the international football tournament. While Qatar was granted hosting rights to the event nearly six years ago, constant criticism has been lobbed at the decision. However, despite the best efforts of opponents, FIFA has affirmed over and over that the event will move forward in the emirate.