Belgian football federation refuses to drop rapper for World Cup song despite complaints about his lyrics

The Belgian football federation has said it will not change its mind about choosing a rapper known for lacing his songs with obscene and misogynistic lyrics to produce its official World Cup song.

The federation said in a statement today, International Women's Day, that it did not want to be taken "hostage" by pro-women groups, who say it is unacceptable that an artist using degrading lyrics could be picked to produce what should be a unifying song for the country.