England captain and Arsenal star Leah Williamson says she 'cannot support' this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar and it's a shame it's been overshadowed by issues off the field.
The Middle East nation was announced as the hosts of the 2022 competition back in 2010, but it's been an unpopular decision given their human rights record and treatment of LGBTQ+ people. There was more controversy ahead of England's opening game against Iran earlier this week after it was confirmed Harry Kane would not be wearing the OneLove armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The decision was made in light of FIFA's stance that any captain wearing the armband would face sanctions, such as bookings. Williamson, who captained the Lionesses to glory in the UEFA Women's Euro back in the summer, says football should be an inclusive sport.
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“Normally I’d really excited for any major tournament," the Arsenal defender said. "But I can’t be in support of the World Cup being where it is and the rules that have come about from it.
"We want football to be an inclusive sport. I just feel like it’s a really big shame, normally we would all be so excited about the World Cup. If you look back at tournaments from down the years and how much you enjoy them, that is a big part of being a football fan.
"Spending time together with your friends, families and watching the games - the World Cup is the best for that. So it’s a shame that it is overshadowed by the issues off the field.
"We can’t just enjoy the football, which is what we all want to see. So I think it is a bit of a weird one. The fact it is in winter as well I think changes the dynamic a little bit as well.”
Williamson is currently sidelined with a foot injury, but was pictured back out on the London Colney training pitch last Thursday as she continues to build towards full fitness. The Lionesses are preparing for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in a bid to build on their Euro success.
Leah Williamson has teamed up with The National Lottery to honour the work of amazing individuals championing diversity and inclusion in sport like Helen Hardy, founder of Manchester Laces. The campaign shines a light on how the £30m raised a week by National Lottery players goes towards good causes across the UK.
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