Belgium forced to scrap World Cup song in sexism controversy

Back in November, the Belgian team announced that Damso had been chosen to produce their World Cup song. The rapper was even photographed being handed a personalised team shirt by Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi.

However, the song collaboration has been halted after complaints were made regarding the misogynistic content of the producer's previous lyrics.

With many of lyrics also containing sexual references, the Belgian Football Federation has apologised and stated that ''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 apologise to all those who felt offended, discriminated against or diminished in the choice for the artist in question. 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."

In the World Cup draw, Belgium are alongside England, Tunisia and Panama in Group G. The 'Red Devils' will clash with England in their game in Kaliningrad on June 28th.