Team captains who wear One Love armbands at the 2022 World Cup are reportedly at risk of receiving a yellow card prior to kick-off.
England skipper Harry Kane, Germany’s Manuel Neuer, and Wales talisman Gareth Bale are among the players from nine European nations planning to wear the armband in support of inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar.
Homosexuality is currently a criminal offence in the country carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years under article 296 of Qatar’s penal code.
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But, according to German outlet Bild, the DFB are reassessing the decision to wear the armband due to concerns that Neuer could not only face a fine but also the possibility of a caution before Germany’s opening game with Japan even kicks off.
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Current FIFA rules stipulate that: ‘At FIFA tournaments, match staff must wear official clothing and equipment provided by FIFA, including FIFA event badges specified and provided by FIFA.’
However, on Saturday, the Bayern Munich shot stopper insisted that he would be wearing his One Love armband with pride on November 23rd.
“We’re not afraid of consequences. The power of this armband is also being carried by other nations in West Europe. I think it’s good we’re not the only ones, but that we can make a statement together,” said Neuer as per DW.com.
“We have the support of the German FA (DFB) and our DFB president.”
The England camp are also gearing up for punishment as a result of captain Harry Kane wearing the armband throughout the tournament after a request from the FA to FIFA went unanswered.
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“They haven’t given us any response to our letter,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told Sky News.
“I think there’s a possibility that we might be fined. And if we are, then we’ll pay the fine.
“We think it’s really important to show our values. And that’s what we’ll be doing.”
The Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign when they take on Iran on Monday before games with USA on November 25th and Wales on November 29th.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football World Cup, England, Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer