Belgium cancel planned World Cup song with rapper Damso
Friday 9 March 2018 10:40, UK
Belgium have scrapped their official World Cup song with Damso after allegations of sexism against the rapper.
The Red Devils confirmed in November that Danso had been selected to produce their official song for the tournament, with Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi presenting the rapper with a personalised Belgium shirt to announce the collaboration.
However, the anthem has now been cancelled after the rapper's history of using misogynistic lyrics, which include sexual references, came to light.
The Belgian Football Federation apologised for its choice of artist and confirmed there will no official anthem for Roberto Martinez's side in Russia.
A statement read: "The Belgian Football Federation gives up its choice in favor of Damso to make the official song of the Red Devils in view of the World Cup in Russia.
"We deplore the social controversy that has emerged in recent days. This controversy is in contradiction with all that the URBSFA represents and removes attention from all the values of which our Federation is the flag bearer.
"This explains why we decided (by mutual agreement) to end the collaboration with Damso.
"We especially wish to expressly apologize to all those who felt offended, discriminated against or diminished in the choice for the artist in question."
"The Belgian Football Federation represents all the frankness of our society: men and women, young and old, native and non-native.
"As UBSA, we firmly believe that football has the power to inspire and unite people. Football in general and the Red Devils in particular have the strength to unite and unite. Respect, integrity and anti-discrimination are the main priorities for URBSFA.
"The social controversy around the artist and the unrest over the past few days have completely diverted attention away from everything that matters to the Belgian Football Union.
"We take full responsibility for this controversy and unrest. We will certainly draw the necessary lessons for the future in order to convey our positive values with even greater conviction.
"Unfortunately, this implies that there will be no official song for the 2018 World Cup."
Belgium have been drawn alongside England, Tunisia and Panama in Group G. The Red Devils will face the Three Lions in their third group game in Kaliningrad on June 28.
