England manager Gareth Southgate says promoting conversations about human rights issues in Qatar is all players can really do.
Captains from several European nations will wear a rainbow-coloured ‘OneLove’ armband at this winter’s World Cup. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar, although some concessions have been made by the country for traveling fans.
Some campaigners, however, believe it doesn’t go far enough.
England skipper Harry Kane is among those backing the campaign.
“I had a discussion with Christian (Erikson), who is the captain of Denmark, and Hugo (Lloris), and it is about coming together. I think being together sends a bigger message than doing individual stuff.”
“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. But we can only do what we can. We have definitely taken a step forward to help some of the issues in Qatar.”
Fifa however is yet to give permission for the rainbow armband to be worn, stating; “FIFA confirms it has received requests from member associations in relation to the World Cup 2022 and will respond to them in due course.”
Recently, footballer, Zander Murray became the first senior Scottish football player to reveal that he is gay. It comes after Jake Daniels, Blackpool midfielder, became the first active professional player in the UK since Justin Fashanu in 1990 to announce he is gay.