Qatar World Cup boss tells countries not to turn event into ‘platform of political statements’
The head of the Qatar World Cup has warned against turning the tournament into a ‘platform of political statements’ amid plans from 10 countries to wear rainbow armbands as part of an anti-discrimination initiative.
England captain Harry Kane is among those who are set to wear the multi-coloured ‘One Love’ armband in Qatar, where same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised.
Despite the fact that that no permission has yet been given by FIFA , the FA remain determined for Kane to be wearing the armband – even if it risks potential fines.
Qatar World Cup chief Nasser Al Khater has said it will be up to world football’s governing body to approve the use of the armband.
Qatari officials have insisted members of the LGBTQ+ community will be welcome at the World Cup but the nation has refused to change its laws ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to Sky News, Al Khater urged those attending the event to be respectful of the local culture.
‘At the end of the day, as long as you don’t do anything that harms other people, if you’re not destroying public property, as long as you’re behaving in a way that’s not harmful, then everybody’s welcome and you have nothing to worry about,’ he said.
‘From what I understand, there are discussions taking place about the different political messages that are going to be.
‘This is a sporting tournament that people want to come and enjoy. Turning it into a platform of political statements I don’t think is right for the sport.’
The armbands were worn during the latest round of Nations League fixtures, with permission being given by UEFA.
However, the green light has not yet been given by FIFA for them to be used in Qatar later this year, despite England writing to them with their request.
Those involved, including Wales, Belgium and Sweden, could be forbidden from wearing the bands should that permission not be forthcoming.
A delegation from the group met FIFA on Wednesday to ask for an update.
Kane, who wore the armband during England’s Nations League games with Italy and Germany last month, said: ‘I am honoured to join my fellow national team captains in supporting the important OneLove campaign.
‘As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination. This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society.’
The Netherlands began the OneLove campaign prior to Euro 2020.
It is the latest act in protest against Qatar and it’s treatment of migrant workers in the build-up to the tournament, with ‘thousands’ alleged to have been injured or killed while constructing the infrastructure.
‘A lot of people that speak about this issue on workers’ welfare… are not experts in the industry. And they’re not experts in what they’re speaking about,’ Al Khater added to Sky News.
‘And I feel that they feel obliged, that they need to speak. I think they need to really read and educate themselves a little bit more about what’s happening on the ground in Qatar.’
Last month Denmark’s kit supplier Hummel unveiled a monochrome strip for the World Cup in a bold protest against the host country.
The new red kit is inspired by their Euro 92 success when Denmark won their only major title, but has its logo and details barely visible.
An all black design, which Hummel said signifies the ‘colour of mourning’, will be their third kit in Qatar.
