A group of European soccer federations put pressure on FIFA and World Cup organisers on Wednesday by announcing that their captains would wear armband with a rainbow heart design as part of an anti-discrimination campaign during international games and at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, know its meaning in football
The group of European soccer federations came together on Wednesday to announce their intention to have their captains wear the rainbow armband, which has a so-called One Love design that is similar in design — but not exactly the same as the well-known flag that serves as a symbol of LGBTQ pride. The group includes the World Cup contenders England, Germany, and France.
Explained Rainbow Captain Armband Meaning In Football And What Does It Signify With Teams Set To Sport It At The FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022
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Eight European countries that have qualified for Qatar will participate, according to the Dutch soccer association, which has been instrumental in the campaign. Two additional teams will represent their nations in upcoming Nations League matches. The national teams of Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Wales, Sweden, and Switzerland are included in the group of national federations.
The declaration marks the latest escalation in a dispute between soccer’s governing bodies and the competing nations in Qatar, who have been under constant pressure from supporters, human rights organisations, and others to speak out against the country’s anti-homosexual laws and the treatment of the hundreds of thousands of foreign workers who helped the small emirate get ready for the first World Cup in the Middle East.
When the world is watching, “wearing the armband jointly on behalf of our teams will send a strong message,” England captain Harry Kane said in a statement.
The FIFA And Their Improvement Regarding Rainbow Armbands
FIFA, which has rigorous guidelines on World Cup squad attire and the introduction of politics and social concerns onto the playing field. It has not yet given its approval to the armbands. The decision by the federations to use public pressure highlights the delicate line.
That competing teams, as well as FIFA and its sponsors, are attempting to navigate in juggling the demands of outside parties, such as fans and human rights organisations, with a desire to avoid upsetting Qatar, a conservative Muslim country and the host of the competition. For instance, the rainbow colours used in the design of the armbands do not correspond to the more popular Pride flag.
While security officials in Qatar have previously stated that all fans are welcome at the month-long tournament in November and December. It is still unknown how same-sex couples will be handled in terms of policing and accommodations. In addition, Qatari officials have previously advised fans not to travel with the rainbow flag for their own safety.