FIFA has banned players at this summer’s Women’s World Cup from wearing rainbow armbands in direct support of LGBTQ+ rights - instead providing alternatives including an amended version to the OneLove armband.
Despite uproar during last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar regarding the wearing of the OneLove captain’s armband, FIFA has announced that it will not change its stance in Australia and New Zealand, with sanctions possible should teams be found in contravention of the rules.
Eight FIFA-sanctioned armbands have instead been provided as alternative options to the OneLove armband, each highlighting different social causes. The themes were selected after consultation with the 32 participating teams, players and United Nations agencies.