British striker Beth Mead: "Homosexuality banned in Qatar, I will not support the World Cup"

Beth Mead

, who is in a relationship with her Arsenal teammate

told BBC Radio 4 that the ban on homosexuality in Qatar is "the exact opposite of what I believe and respect".

"It's not something I'm going to support or promote," Mead said.

England captain

and the captains of seven other European nations who have qualified for the World Cup have stated that they will wear an

during the tournament in Qatar, which begins on November 20.

"Even though I cheer for the boys who are going to play soccer there, from the moment it was announced I thought it wasn't the best idea," Mead said.

“We are in the 21st century and you fall in love with who you fall in love with.

It doesn't matter who I am. "

Mead said he never felt he had to

his relationship with Miedema.

“In the male world there is a sense of duty to make a statement about the situation.

It was a culture and that culture has to change.

Is it a generation thing?

Is it a question of culture in the game?

I'd like to help try to bridge that gap and try to make it the

. "

The 27-year-old won the

and was named player of the tournament at this year's European Championships for her pivotal role in helping England win their first major title.