FIFA yet to make a decision to allow rainbow armbands at the Women's World Cup

FIFA could risk controversy at the Women's World Cup, as they are yet to change the regulations over the wearing of rainbow armbands for captains.

Last winter, captains of certain countries wanted to show their support to the LGBTQIA+ community by wearing rainbow coloured armbands in the Middle East, in protest against the country's laws on homosexulaity.

FIFA threatened teams such as Germany and England with players being booked, or potentially even suspended, if they wore the 'One Love' armbands.

Those associations decided that they wouldn't risk the punishment, with Harry Kane amongst those told not to wear the armband, which led to much criticism.

The Germany team protested by covering their mouths during a team picture ahead of a match, and coach Hansi Flick refused to let any of his players go to a press conference, leading to an investigation by FIFA.

Alex Scott wore the armband during a BBC broadcast, whilst German politician Nancy Faeser sported it whilst sat in a stadium next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Now the issue could rear its ugly head again, with the Women's tournament set to take place in July and August, being hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

In a statement, the governing body confirmed no decision has been made yet, with a spokesman saying, "At a team workshop earlier today FIFA was asked about equipment and competition regulations in relation to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

"FIFA wishes to reiterate that no decision has been taken in relation to armbands. FIFA remains committed to ongoing dialogue with players and member associations."

Kane did not wear the armband in Qatar. Image: Alamy

Speaking to SPORTbible about the reason the One Love armand was banned in Qatar, the spokesperson added, "It was an issue for teams going against the kit regulations. It wasn’t the One Love principle, was just against the kit regulations."

Germany football chief Maika Fischer told Bild that their national team had been told that FIFA would rather their captain wore the traditional armband.

"FIFA has informed us that they want all participating nations to wear the FIFA captain's armband with the FIFA campaign," she told the German outlet.

Much of the protest at the men's tournament was to do with the laws in the country but any rainbow armbands at the women's tournament would just be about general support for the community, on a platform that is beamed across the globe.

Leah Williamson was one of several of the team's captains to wear a rainbow armband at Euro 2021, which England won, as well as Alexandra Popp.

Topics: England, Germany, Womens Football, Womens World Cup, Australia, New Zealand, FIFA

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28