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Morgan Freeman has incurred harsh criticism after hosting the opening ceremony of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar amid concerns over the nation's human rights record.

The tournament, whose opening ceremony yesterday featured a rousing monologue from Freeman, has been plagued with controversy over the Gulf state's treatment of foreign workers, LGBT+ rights and social restrictions.

Several stars such as Dua Lipa, Shakira and Rod Stewart turned down offers from tournament organizers to perform at the opening ceremony in the at Al-Bayt Stadium in Doha on that basis.