Caitlyn Jenner has announced her extremely controversial decision to support Russia in the World Cup.

But the transgender reality star says she has a very good reason for it.

The World Cup host nation is hugely anti-LGBT and doesn't offer same-sex couples the legal protection that it does to straight couples.

Sexual activity between two consenting adults of the same gender was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, but same-sex couples and households still don't have equal rights.

There are also a lot of issues around transgender people in the country.

Caitlyn is backing Russia in the World Cup
But it's for a very good reason

While people can legally change their gender following reassignment surgery, there are no laws protecting them against discrimination for their gender identity.

Despite all that, Caitlyn, who was known as Bruce until she underwent gender reassignment in 2015, wants them to score as many goals as possible at the World Cup.

And the 68-year-old, who is rumoured to be engaged to 21-year-old Sophia Hutchins, revealed it's because bookies Paddy Power are going to pay £10,000 to LGBT causes for every goal the Russians score.

In a video posted to Twitter, she said: "I bet you're wondering at this year's World Cup, who am I going to be cheering for.

Her fans were still divided
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"Well the answer is Russia. No, I haven't gone crazy. In fact, in my old Olympic days, the Russians were the ones I wanted to beat and, in fact, did.

"But why am I cheering for Russia? Well, for every goal that they score, Paddy Power is donating £10,000 to LGBT causes.

"Now, I think this is great. Russia being one of the most anti-LGBT countries in the world is now going to be supporting the community.

"So let's get our Russian on this year. Cheer for them at the World Cup and help support Paddy Power and the community and hopefully we can raise a lot of money."

Caitlyn transitioned from Bruce in 2015
She's rumoured to be engaged to Sophia Hutchins

However, there was some backlash from her followers.

One said: "the same russians that meddled in our elections? the same russians that make it illegal to be gay? you're poorly informed"

And another commented: "Do you actually watch the news? Cuz even you can't be thus stupid"

But others supported the gesture from Paddy Power.

One said: "Is this true ... If so that is amazing..."

And another hit back: "She supports Russian LGBT community and raising awareness about it. There is nothing wrong there. And also - please stop it - nobody messed with your election."