By Victor Kanayo
Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane, has been banned by the world football body, FIFA, from wearing the ‘OneLove’ armband when England face Iran and other teams during the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.
Should Kane go ahead to wear it, FIFA said he would receive an instant yellow card once he walks into the pitch on Monday afternoon November 21, 2022.
FIFA has strict rules about apparel that can be worn by players and the armband is not allowed under the code.
The armband is designed to show solidarity with minority groups that are criminalised in the host nation.
But FIFA have detailed laws regarding apparel used by players during matches and Kane wearing the armband would not meet their regulations.
The FA expected a fine for breaching FIFA’s statutes but the prospect of Kane – arguably England’s most important player – being booked, and hence face suspension, was a scenario English football’s governing body were concerned about.
England are one of nine countries wearing the ‘One Love’ armband.
Indeed, news of a possible booking also reached the Germany and Holland camp.
Holland skipper Virgil van Dijk said ahead of his side’s game versus Senegal, “Nothing changed from our point of view.
“If I will get a yellow card for wearing it then we would have to discuss it because I don’t like to play while being on a yellow.”
The confusion overshadowed the start of England’s World Cup campaign in Doha, as Southgate claimed that his players have made the ‘impossible possible’ as his team begin their adventure on Monday.
Following years in the international football’s doldrums, England head into this afternoon’s opener against Iran as genuine contenders to lift the trophy at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
Having finished fourth at World Cup in 2018, the national team followed up their impressive showing in Russia by finishing runners-up at last year’s European Championships.
