No selection will finally wear the bracelet of support for the LGTBI community

The teams from England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, initially committed to wearing the bracelet in support of the LGTBI community at the World Cup in Qatar, will finally not wear the slogan One love on the sleeve of their captains in fear of a possible FIFA sanction.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
21 November 2022 Monday 10:37
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No selection will finally wear the bracelet of support for the LGTBI community

The teams from England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland, initially committed to wearing the bracelet in support of the LGTBI community at the World Cup in Qatar, will finally not wear the slogan One love on the sleeve of their captains in fear of a possible FIFA sanction.

"As national associations, we cannot put our players in a position where they can face sporting sanctions, including bookings, so we have asked captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup matches. FIFA," the seven teams announced in a joint statement.

The first of the players to wear the bracelet was going to be Harry Kane this Monday in the match between England and Iran. The English captain was exposing himself to receiving a yellow card and a possible financial sanction for what FIFA considers a political manifestation, something that is prohibited in the regulations of the world soccer organization.

"We were prepared to pay the fines that would normally apply to infractions of the kit rules and we had a firm commitment to wear the armband. However, we cannot put our players in a situation where they can be booked or even forced to to leave the field of play", insists the letter, where they admit that they are "very frustrated by FIFA's decision".

The statement concludes by explaining that both the players and the coaches are "disappointed" as they "are staunch supporters of inclusion and will show their support in other ways." FIFA had previously banned a Danish training shirt that read "human rights for all", a protest message against the Government of Qatar, a country where its citizens, especially women and members of the LGTBI community, They do not enjoy freedom.

"The players are not to blame, it's the Federation's decision. We've already played with the bracelet before. I don't see a problem with wearing the One love motto," explained the Danish coach, Kasper Hjulmand, before the federation announced his country will eventually back down. It should be remembered that the seven teams had previously worn the bracelet.