FIFA insist discussions are still ongoing regarding captain's wearing rainbow "OneLove" armbands at the Women's World Cup this summer - despite claims they could be banned.
Players were stopped from wearing the armbands at the men's World Cup in Qatar in the winter with threats of punishments and the same policy could be in place in Australia and New Zealand in July.
The German FA has raised the issue with FIFA during a World Cup planning workshop. Reports in Germany from Bild subsequently claimed FIFA were banning the team from wearing the armbands.
A FIFA spokesman has reiterated that no final decision has been taken. They told Sky Sports Football : "At a team workshop, 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."
As things stand players and captains face punishment if they wear any armband that isn't approved by FIFA during one of their tournaments. This particularly became an issue during the men's World Cup in Qatar where players was keen to raise awareness of the nations' human rights record and LGBTQ+ treatment in the state.
Leah Williamson wore the rainbow captain's armband throughout England's successful Euro 2022 campaign. And last month the Lionesses skipper reiterated her desire to wear a OneLove armband during the summer in Australia and New Zealand.
"Obviously, you hope it’s not a last-minute call once we get there but it’s something we want to do all year round and we’ve done previously.
"The statement that was made at the Euros with every team participating was incredible, every picture we have with a trophy lift there’s a rainbow armband in there. It’s a great stage and a great time to promote the values we believe in so much, so I hope it’s the same.
"We’re never shy in saying what we stand for, we’re a squad that promotes inclusivity and equality, we obviously have a number of people that feel very strongly about it."
