The threat of booking players for sporting sanctions has seen England, Wales, and other European teams withdrawing from wearing the Love armband to the world cup.
Harry Kane of England and Gareth Bales of Wales, among other team captains, had planned to wear Love Arm Bands to promote diversity and incorporation during the World Cup.
In a shared statement made by the Seven Football Associations, claiming that they cannot risk exposing their players to possible Sport Sanctions.
“We are very frustrated by the Fifa decision, which we believe is unprecedented,” the statement read.
The governing bodies of the Seven nations including, England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, recalls writing to Fifa in September notifying them of the One Love Armband but Fifa never responded to them.
“Fifa has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play,” the statement added.
“We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband.
“However, we cannot put our players in a situation where they might be booked, or even forced to leave the field of play.” The statement further noted.
Fifa instead has brought forward its own Anti-Discrimination Campaign, yet to start during the Quarterfinals.
Captains are allowed to wear the non-discrimination armbands for the rest of the tournament.
England have had an opening at the 2022 World Cup, downing Iran 6-2 at Khalifa International Stadium, as Wales is yet to play against United States at 19:00.
One Love Arm Band
An armband is part of a football kit, that was to be worn by the ten European nations at the Nations League games and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
OneLove Campaign was rolled out by the Netherlands before Euro 2020 as a symbol against Discrimination and to promote diversity and inclusion.
Qatar is a nation that does not condone same-sex relationships, as it is a criminal offense.
On the eve of the Qatar World Cup, Fifa President Gianni Infantino accused the Western Media coverage of terming it as Hypocritical, following the report aired about Human Rights records in Qatar.
The Dutch Football Association said it was dismissing the plan to wear the armband unhappily following Fifa’s decision to impose sanctions.
Also Read: 2022 Qatar World Cup Opening Ceremony- Pictures
“This goes against the spirit of our sport that connects millions of people,” it added. “Together with the other countries involved, we will take a critical look at our relationship with Fifa in the coming period.”
Wales Football Association expressed their frustrations, saying they are disappointed but will maintain the belief that football is for everyone as they stand with the LGBTQ+ Welsh football family.”
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