7 European teams crumble under FIFA pressure, ditch plans to wear pro-LGBTQ ‘OneLove’ armband at World Cup
England team entered the field on Monday to begin their FIFA World Cup campaign against Iran. There was however one thing missing from the players which was earlier expected to give a strong message to the world.
England had vowed to wear a rainbow-themed armband at the World Cup in Qatar but later abandoned their plans to do the same. England and the other 6 European teams were expected to support the campaign for LGBTQ people however they have backed down at the last moment.
“FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play,” the seven teams said in a joint statement.
“As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games,” the federations of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland said.
Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer however has vowed to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband even if others don’t do it. “We have the complete backing of the (German Football Association), we have no fear,” Neuer remarked.
Harry Kane, England’s captain had said, “This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society. Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching.”
Former football player and presenter Alex Scott however wore the ‘One Love’ armband:
Alex Scott is wearing the One Love arm band whilst presenting on BBC One. pic.twitter.com/GAZxwEKw0H
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) November 21, 2022
“I’ve been speaking about this topic with the highest leadership, they can confirm that I can confirm that everyone is welcome,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said before the tournament kicked off. “If you’re a person that says the opposite, well it’s not the opinion of the country or FIFA. Everyone that comes to Qatar is welcome.”
As for the match, England won their curtain raiser clash against Iran by 6-2. Many in India however complained of poor broadcasting by Jio Cinema.
