Seven World Cup teams drop plan to wear "OneLove" armband backing LGBTQ rights
Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer and Eden Hazard is designed as part of a campaign to promote inclusivity.The armbands had been promoted as a symbolic protest against laws in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.Monday's decision came just hours before the Netherlands, England and Wales were due to play their opening games.On Saturday, Neuer insisted he planned to wear the armband in Germany's games regardless of the threat of sanction."We have the complete backing of the German Football Association, we have no fear," Neuer said.When the "OneLove" initiative was announced in September, Kane said he was "honoured" to join fellow World Cup captains in donning the armband."As captains we may all be competing against each other on the pitch, but we stand together against all forms of discrimination," the England skipper added."This is even more relevant at a time when division is common in society.
Wearing the armband together on behalf of our teams will send a clear message when the world is watching."Qatar's laws against homosexuality have been one of the flashpoints of the prelude to the first tournament to be staged in the Middle East.The former Qatari international and World Cup ambassador, Khalid Salman, sparked outrage earlier this month after describing homosexuality as "damage in the mind" during an interview with a German TV station.In the face of mounting criticism, the Fifa supremo Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted that all fans and visitors to Qatar would be welcome, regardless of sexual orientation."I've been speaking about this topic with the highest leadership, they can confirm that I can confirm that everyone is welcome," Infantino said before the tournament kicked off. "If you're a person that says the.
