World Cup: Why will players wear the OneLove armband?
metro.co.ukHarry Kane will join forces with nine other European captains by wearing a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar.Same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, which will host the World Cup from November 20.Kane will be joined in wearing the OneLove armband by Wales captain Gareth Bale, and with the captains of France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland.The move comes as part of a season-long OneLove campaign against LGBTQ+ discrimination in football and wider society.Here is what you need to know about OneLove campaign at the Qatar World Cup.The European captains are wearing the OneLove armband to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ discrimination in Qatar, where same-sex relationships and the promotion of same-sex relationships are criminalised.Qatari authorities have not given a specific guarantee that LGBTQ+ fans travelling to the country for the tournament will be safe.The Qatar Supreme Committee, the body in charge of organising the World Cup, said: ‘Everyone will be welcome to Qatar in 2022, regardless of their race, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.‘We are a relatively conservative society – for example, public displays of affection are not a part of our culture.‘We believe in mutual respect and so whilst everyone is welcome, what we expect in return is for everyone to respect our culture and traditions.’Speaking about the decision to wear the OneLove armband, Kane 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.
