Sam Kerr, the captain of the Australian women’s soccer team, expressed her team’s desire to wear the banned OneLove armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights at the Women’s World Cup. England had previously worn the armband during their victory over Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima at Wembley.
Kerr stated that, like many teams worldwide, the Australian players voiced their support for wearing the armband. However, FIFA had banned the armbands at the men’s World Cup in Qatar the previous year, and players were threatened with bookings if they wore them.
Instead, FIFA sanctioned eight armbands with various social messages for the Women’s World Cup. The team captains from England, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark had initially planned to wear the OneLove armbands at the men’s World Cup to protest Qatar’s laws against same-sex relationships. However, they decided against it after FIFA warned of issuing yellow cards to players wearing the armbands.
Kerr mentioned the case of Harry Kane at the men’s World Cup, who received a yellow card in a game and would have been sent off if he had worn the armband. She explained that the risk of receiving yellow cards was not worth jeopardizing Australia’s progress in the tournament they are co-hosting with New Zealand.
FIFA has introduced their own selection of sanctioned armbands for the Women’s World Cup, which teams can choose from. These armbands promote various messages, such as gender equality and tackling domestic violence. Captains have three options, including a “Football Unites the World” armband for the tournament and a theme-specific armband for each matchday.
England midfielder Georgia Stanway expressed that the players have the support of their manager, Sarina Wiegman, to wear the armbands. She stated that they are in a place where everyone can have their individual opinions and fight for what they believe in, and Wiegman fully backs their decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about OneLove armband
Q: Why did Sam Kerr express the desire for Australia to wear the banned OneLove armband at the Women’s World Cup?
A: Sam Kerr, the captain of the Australian women’s soccer team, expressed the desire for Australia to wear the banned OneLove armband at the Women’s World Cup to show support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Q: Why were the OneLove armbands banned at the men’s World Cup in Qatar?
A: The OneLove armbands were banned at the men’s World Cup in Qatar because FIFA threatened to issue yellow cards to players who wore them, prompting teams to comply with the ban.
Q: What alternative did FIFA provide for armbands at the Women’s World Cup?
A: FIFA sanctioned eight armbands with various social messages for the Women’s World Cup, allowing teams to choose from these alternatives. These armbands promote messages such as gender equality and tackling domestic violence.
Q: Why did the team captains from several countries decide not to wear the OneLove armbands at the men’s World Cup?
A: The team captains from England, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark decided not to wear the OneLove armbands at the men’s World Cup after FIFA warned of issuing yellow cards to players who wore them.
Q: Does the Australian team plan to wear the OneLove armbands despite the ban?
A: No, the Australian team does not plan to wear the OneLove armbands due to the risk of receiving yellow cards and potentially jeopardizing their progression in the tournament they are co-hosting with New Zealand.
Q: Does the team have support from their manager, Sarina Wiegman, regarding the armband decision?
A: Yes, the players have the support of their manager, Sarina Wiegman, regarding their decision to wear or not wear the armbands. Wiegman backs the players’ individual opinions and decisions on matters of player activism.
More about OneLove armband
- Women’s World Cup
- Sam Kerr – Official Website
- FIFA Women’s World Cup
- OneLove Foundation
- FIFA Official Website
- FIFA Women’s World Cup News
- FIFA Women’s World Cup Regulations
- Sarina Wiegman – Official Profile
- Qatar World Cup 2022
- LGBTQ+ Rights
3 comments
FIFA’s alternative armbands are okay, but the oneluv armband would have sent a stronger message. respect to the players who wanna wear it!
FIFA banin’ the armband at men’s WC is a joke! they shud let players express themselves & stand up for important causes. #PlayerActivismMatters
I understand Sam Kerr’s concern about riskin’ yellow cards. You don’t wanna hurt your team’s chances, but I wish FIFA would be more flexible on this issue.