The World Cup 2022 is only days away, with England’s first game against Iran on November 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
England’s captain, Harry Kane, has stated he will continue to wear a One Love armband, despite warnings that the England team may be fined by FIFA as a result.
Kane, alongside nine other European country captains, will wear the armbands as part of their campaign against discrimination.
“There is only so much the players can actually do and wearing the armband on the biggest stage in the world will have an impact,” Kane had previously said.
“But we can only do what we can. We have definitely taken a step forward to help some of the issues in Qatar.”
What does the band mean and why are there threats of fines for wearing them?
What is the meaning of the One Love armband?
The One Love armbands are part of a campaign “to promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination of any kind”.
The initiative was launched by the Netherlands and is supported by England, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales, whose captains will wear the armband in Qatar.
Although not directly linked to anti-LGBTQ laws, the armbands will be worn to promote inclusivity within a country which has laws against same-sex relationships.
Why has FIFA threatened to fine England over the armband?
FIFA has a tough stance when it comes to the use of slogans or political messages added to sporting kits and uniforms.
The organisation recently warned players against using political slogans, adding that all political messages or symbols in stadiums are banned by FIFA.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told Sky Sports that the governing body had sent a request to FIFA to allow the armband to be worn two months ago with FIFA yet to respond.
He said: “They haven’t given us any response to our letter. 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.”
