England captain Harry Kane to ignore FIFA over 'One Love' armband
England captain Harry Kane is set to ignore any ban from FIFA and wear the One Love armband at the World Cup in Qatar next month, even if it results in fines.
There has been constant dismay at the decision to hold the World Cup in the Middle East country, since the decision that came in 2010, the same day Russia was given the 2018 tournament.
As well as needing to move the tournament to the winter, something that was not discussed in the initial bid or during the voting process, there is the problem with the country's issues on human rights.
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Denmark's kit supplier Hummel have decided to take a stand against Qatar, by not being visible on the team's shirts for the World Cup.
Amongst the issues in Qatar are problems with the country's rights for the LGBTQIA+ communities and captains from some countries have announced that they will wear a rainbow 'One Love' captain's armband in the Middle East, in support.
FIFA are yet to give their permission for players, including Kane, to wear the armband, despite The UEFA Working Group on Qatar asking the world governing body three weeks ago.
According to Sky Sports, England will ignore any decision to ban the armband and the captain will be wearing it regardless of FIFA's decision, even if it means paying fines.
A delegation from the UEFA group are set to meet FIFA in Zurich later this week, although the English FA will not be part of it, to ask for an update on the armbands.
They will also ask about compensation fund for migrant workers and their families and establishing a welfare centre for migrant workers as well.
The One Love armbands have received criticism for not going far enough and not actually mentioning anything to do with LGBTQIA+ rights.
Even if players do wear them, against FIFA's wishes, it will be seen as the minimum players are able to do during the controversial tournament.
During Euro 2020, Manuel Neuer wore a rainbow armband in Germany's game vs Hungary but the German FA were told they couldn't change the lights on the Allianz Arena to rainbow colours.
David Beckham has received lots of criticism for becoming an ambassador for the tournament in Qatar next month, especially after his previous status.
Eric Cantona criticised his former teammate for supporting the World Cup whilst also revealing that he will be boycotting watching the tournament, which his country go into as reigning champions.
The former England captain's decision to become an ambassador for Qatar was also criticised by the country's first openly gay man, Dr Nas Mohamed.
Dr Mohamed claimed the 47-year-old was "stamping out hope for the LGBT community in Qatar," and accused of taking the money and "looking the other way."
Men's football still doesn't have many openly gay active players in the game, and there was another blow for the community at the weekend with Iker Casillas making an ill thought 'joke' about being gay.
Topics: England, FIFA, Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur, FIFA World Cup
Ryan Sidle