The FA announced intention to wear armband in September, as part of an anti-discrimination initiative, and in support of the LGBTQ+ community; captains from nine European countries planning on taking part; FIFA yet to sanction use, though permission has been requested
Tuesday 11 October 2022 15:50, UK
Harry Kane will wear a OneLove armband at the World Cup in Qatar, even if it is prohibited by FIFA.
The FA announced in September England will wear a rainbow captain's armband during the tournament as part of an anti-discrimination initiative, and in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The governing body is determined the England captain will wear the armband even if it risks FIFA fines.
Captains from nine European countries, including England and Wales, are planning on wearing the armbands at the World Cup.
FIFA permission is required to wear the armbands. The UEFA Working Group on Qatar asked FIFA for permission three weeks ago and is waiting for a response.
A delegation from the group are meeting FIFA in Zurich on Wednesday and will ask for an update.
The delegation will also discuss the setting up of a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families and the establishment of a welfare centre in Doha for migrant workers.
The FA is members of the working group but are not part of the delegation travelling to Zurich this week.
On Tuesday, Kane was asked whether he would be happy to wear the armband even if it is prohibited.
Speaking at Tottenham's pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, he said: "I think it's a question that's hard to answer right now.
"We've decided we want to wear it and that's our thought process going forward.
"It'll be down to FIFA and the FA - I'm sure they'll be in contact with them.
"I haven't heard anything personally yet so at the moment we're on line to wear it so if anything changes we'll cross that bridge when it comes."
England boss Gareth Southgate, speaking in September:
"There is not a lot more the players in particular can do other than talk about those issues and put them on the table because in the end, we are asking for change in a country we are respectful of, has made progress, but don't have any control over.
"We've done a lot of research, the FA have had countless meetings with NGOs, migrant workers in Qatar, they've gathered all the information and requests of people affected. There's a limit to what can be achieved.
"Talking about the issues and raising the issues and putting them on the table is the vehicle that people involved in sport we've used in the past and it is what we're trying to do this time.
"There will always be criticism, whatever you do but we're trying to affect the areas we've been asked to affect. Unless other ideas come forward and other requests that we think are suitable are on the table, then it's difficult to do more than we've been asked."
Host of Arsenal podcast Highbury Squad Sophie Nicolaou and Guardian sportswriter Jonathan Liew debated whether England should be doing more on Sky Sports News' Paper Talk show.
Nicolaou: "It's bold, and it's brave, and it takes moments like that to create change, to create true change.
"I'm sure if England do that, then the majority of people will be behind them and will support them. These are the moments you have to capitalise on to really move the conversation forward and create a safe platform for people to have these conversations. What better picture than to see the England captain and players taking that massive step?"
Liew: "I think it's a pathetically weak gesture, which isn't quite a rainbow and doesn't really say anything about what you want to see. Something must happen, but we're not quite sure what.
"I do get that the England FA and other federations are prepared to take a fine, which will be what? Ten thousand euros, 20,000 euros? That's two pints in Qatar. So frankly it's the lowest of low bars for FIFA to clear in terms of sanctioning this very small protest and yet again FIFA have failed to clear it."
Nicolaou: "But for someone, somewhere that gesture could mean everything. It could give them the confidence to say something - or think about saying it - whether it's about themselves..."
Liew: "They could have made a stronger gesture, that's all I'm saying."
Nicolaou: "Well, why are we having these conversations a month before the World Cup, these are conversations we should have had years ago and prior to that. The fact these topics are coming up now and the World Cup is literally around the corner.
"I think there are people that will take whatever we can to have that presence and to have that visual in a country where things aren't so easy and simple as they are in other spots in the world."
