European Soccer Federation Plans For Players To Don Rainbow Armbands At Qatar World Cup
The 2022 FIFA World Cup is being held in Qatar which has stirred controversy among international players and fans due to Qatar’s anti-gay policies. A European soccer federation has announced a plan to have captains wear a rainbow armband during international matches as part of an anti-discrimination campaign, reports The New York Times.
TAKING A STAND
The campaign is joined by several European countries including England, Germany and France with the Dutch federation leading the charge. Qatar is famously anti-gay and has come under fire for exploitative labour practices towards foreign workers who helped prepare the stadium for the World Cup.
The controversy wrought after FIFA announced Qatar as the host of the 2022 World Cup has not died down with Qatari officials banning rainbow flags from being flown. Many soccer enthusiasts now fear they won’t be safe if they travel to the small Emirate nation.
The rainbow armbands send a message that many teams from many countries support their LGBTQIA+ fans. England team captain Harry Kane says, “Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching.” Germany’s captain Manuel Neuer says, “Football is there for everyone and our sport must stand up for the people across the world who face discrimination and exclusion,” reports The New York Times.
FIFA organisers have strict policies about what players are allowed to wear in regards to their uniforms during games. The rainbow armbands are not officially approved by the governing body, but the international outrage they have received would suggest it is ill-advised to take a firm stance against this campaign.
