OneLove armband BANNED by FIFA for 2022 World Cup
With just three hours to go until kickoff for England’s first game at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the FA are reportedly in heated discussions with FIFA over the OneLove captain’s armband.
The armband, which signifies support for the LGBTQ+ community, was to be worn by a host of nations including England, Wales and the USA as a gesture of protest toward Qatar’s stance on homosexuality.
The Arab nation is one of many countries where homosexuality is a criminal offence, and could be punishable by death.
Reports this morning suggest that FIFA only told the FA last night that if Harry Kane were to wear the armband he’d receive a yellow card.
ESPN did report that Harry Kane would progress with the plan to wear the armband, despite the yellow card threat and the FA’s worries.
However, further reports at the time of writing revealed that all eight nations who were going to wear the armband have now heeded FIFA’s demands and will not go through with the gesture.
The FA released the statement: “We cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.”
Some responses online have said it’s a travesty that FIFA has forced the FA to back down.
Taking a stand only if it’s convenient and doesn’t cost you, is not taking a stand for what you believe in. https://t.co/7p5RUnQdzz
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) November 21, 2022
It is a crime that FIFA has used the threat of sporting sanctions against the nations over this small but potentially powerful gesture, especially with such short notice before the games.
After just one day of the tournament, it’s the second time that the football governing body has u-turned on an issue to appease the Qataris.
Just 24 hours before kick-off yesterday they stated that fans would longer be able to purchase alcohol in the stadiums.
We’ll keep a close eye throughout the tournament to see how far FIFA is willing to go to keep the hosts onside.
After Gianni Infantino’s ramblings yesterday I wouldn’t be surprised if there are many more.
https://sportsgazette.co.uk/world-cup-column-qatar-befuddle-their-way-to-opening-day-embarrassment/
