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Harry Kane risked being banned for whole World Cup for wearing One Love armband
Harry Kane risked being banned for whole World Cup for wearing One Love armband,England captain Harry Kane was warned by FIFA not to wear a rainbow coloured armband in Qatar just hours before the World Cup opener against Iran - or risk facing a severe punishment

Harry Kane risked being banned for whole World Cup for wearing One Love armband

Harry Kane risked being banned for the whole of the World Cup for wearing a ‘One Love’ armband.

England captain Kane intended to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion at Qatar, an Islamic nation known for its intolerance of LGBTQ+ people. But the FA, who were ‘committed’ to letting Kane wear it, were warned against it by FIFA officials two hours prior to their opening match against Iran.

Five FIFA officials threatened anyone wearing the ‘One Love’ armband with a booking and further ‘disciplinary action’, which led to the decision not to go through with the gesture. And FA CEO Mark Bullingham has now revealed even harsher punishments could have been inflicted.

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Speaking to ITV ahead of the USA match, Bullingham said: “We felt like we couldn’t put the players in a position were the World Cup, something they’d dreamt about when they were young, suddenly they might face a ban and that’s not a scenario we could put them in.”

When asked if Kane could have been banned for further games, he added: “That is correct. It’s not clear [whether England would have faced a points deduction], they said they would take disciplinary action effectively in that case.

“[The disciplinary action] was unlimited. They would take disciplinary action against any player who was wearing an armband.”

Wembley Stadium's arch has been lit up in rainbow colours as a protest
Wembley Stadium's arch has been lit up in rainbow colours as a protest (Image: PA)

The FA chief went on to slam FIFA’s behaviour, saying: “The way they acted was completely unprecedented. All I can say is the level of feeling is very high, we’re upset, we’re angry, we thought it was outrageous how this was handled.”

FIFA has since said that it is an inclusive organisation that wants to put football to the benefit of society by supporting good and legitimate causes, but it has to be done within the framework of the competition regulations which are known to everyone.

Kane did not wear the armband during Friday’s clash either. England have, however, lit up Wembley Stadium’s arch in rainbow colours as a form of protest against FIFA.

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