England Expect To Be Fined For Harry Kane Wearing “One Love” Armband At World Cup
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has told Sky News that they are braced to be fined for England captain Harry Kane wearing a “One Love” armband at the World Cup.
In an interview at the England training camp in Qatar, Mark Bulligham revealed Fifa was yet to send a response, two months after the English Football Association's request to wear the multi-coloured armband.
While not directly referencing anti-LGBTQ+ laws, the armband is intended to promote inclusivity. Fifa usually prohibits the addition of unsanctioned slogans to kits and recently urged teams not to indulge in giving morality lessons at the first World Cup in the Middle East.
“They haven't given us any response to our letter,” Mr Bullingham told Sky News. “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.”
The FA had assurances gay fans would be safe to come and not discriminated against by Qatari authorities.
Mr. Bullingham said: “It's sad for us that quite a few of our LGBTQ fans have decided not to come and I know a lot of our Three Lions Pride members are not coming. And that was frustrating because they didn't get the information they wanted in time to make their arrangements.”
England will also continue to use its presence in Qatar to pursue more compensation for families of low-paid workers and a permanent migrant worker center.
Mr. Bullingham added: “I think when you look at everything that's been achieved over the last four years, there has been really positive progress. What's critical for us though, is these last two outstanding issues should be brought through. We'll be putting a lot of pressure on FIFA, together with a bunch of other European countries to do that.”
England open their World Cup campaign against Iran today, Monday, November 21.
Read related myGwork articles here:
England Footballer Harry Kane To Wear Anti-Discrimination Armband During World Cup
England Footballer Harry Kane Backs LGBTQ+ Fans Ahead Of Qatar World Cup
US Soccer Team To Use Pride Logo At World Cup
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