#rainbow laces

I LOOK LIKE A 5 YEAR OLD

ALSO IM ALEAYS WHEREING A JACKET CUZ IT MAKES ME FEEL SAFE- SO IM ALWAYS WHEREING MY WINTER COAT

Premier League Captains show their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign

Nations need to break the silence to bring about change

In Qatar having same sex relationships can be punishable by the death penalty. In 2010 Qatar were the first middle eastern country to be announced as hosts for the 2022 World Cup.

Are the LGBTQ community safe to go and support their nation at the World Cup?

However, this caused widespread condemnation for many reasons, one being Qatar’s laws on LGBTQ rights. Despite these laws, the organisers provided reassurances that ‘everyone is welcome’. However, before the tournament had even started, it seemed that the World Cup was going to be more about politics and fairness, than football. 

FIFA President’s Advice

In a letter to all 32 nations, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told countries to “focus on football”, and steer away from politics; directing nations to turn a blind eye to the various human rights issues. This caused further anger amongst fans and players. The latter were silenced from challenging the decisions that lead to Qatar hosting – the implication being that they should solely focus on matters on the pitch.

Controversy surrounding the One Love Armband On the eve of the tournament eight European nations were set to wear the One Love armband as a symbol of support for diversity, human rights, and inclusion. The rainbow colours were specifically in support of the LGBTQ community. However, just days before the tournament, FIFA declared there would be sanctions for any players wearing the armband, and they could face a booking, or potentially not even be allowed on the pitch. Regrettably, all eight countries decided to U-turn on their decision. Many fans, players and pundits expressed disappointment at the decision.

David Beckham as a World Cup Ambassador

Sporting icons such as David Beckham chose to endorse the Qatar World Cup. David Beckham signed a £150m deal to be an ambassador. Previously David was seen as something of a gay icon.

Football vs Homophobia

Due to the deep routed hegemonic masculinity in sporting cultures the FA needs to do more at grass roots level to provide a safe space for LGBTQ players to reinforce their rights and punish homophobic behaviour. Players need to make a stand, and support charities such as Football vs Homophobia and the Rainbow Laces campaign to help shine a light on these issues.

What’s next?

FIFA should make it a condition of future World Cups that only countries who respect human rights and diversity should be awarded the tournament. Until this is done, FIFA will continue to suffer from negative headlines and public criticism, as not enough progress is being made.

Show Your Support for the LGBTQ Community

If you agree that we need a call to change and want to show your support for LGBTQ rights, then join Stonewalls’ #Proudstadium and share this with friends and family who support the LGBTQ community. You can also join the rainbow laces campaign by wearing rainbow laces on your trainers or football boots to support inclusion in sport. Contact FIFA to stop countries like Qatar criminalizing the LGBTQ community from being awarded the rights to host major tournaments in future.

Do you think Qatar should have been allowed to host the World Cup given the backlash and negative media coverage FIFA have faced?