FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has told Sky News they are prepared to be fined for England captain Harry Kane wearing a ‘One Love’ armband at the World Cup.
In an interview at England’s training ground in Qatar, Bulligham revealed that FIFA has yet to send a response two months after the FA’s request to wear the multi-coloured jersey.
While not directly referencing anti-LGBT laws, the bracelet is meant to promote inclusion.
FIFA routinely forbids the addition of unauthorized slogans to kits and recently urged teams not to indulge in lecturing on morality at the first World Cup in the Middle East.
“They haven’t given us any response to our letter. I think there’s a possibility that we might be fined. And if we are, then we’ll pay the fine. We think it’s really important to show our values. And that’s what we’ll be doing.” Mr Bullingham told Sky News.
The FA had ensured that gay fans would be safe and not discriminated against by the Qatari authorities.
Bullingham said: “It’s sad for us that quite a few of our LGBTQ fans have decided not to come and I know a lot of our Three Lions Pride members are not coming. And that was frustrating because they didn’t get the information they wanted in time to make their arrangements,” reports Sky.
Britain will continue to use its presence in Qatar to win greater reparations for the families of low-wage workers and a permanent center for migrant workers.
England will open their World Cup campaign against Iran today.
Gareth Southgate led England to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and the European Championship final last year.
Bullingham said: “We go into any major tournament wanting to do as well as possible and we think we’re one of between six and eight teams that could win the trophy,” reports Sky.
After six years in charge, Southgate’s future was thrown into doubt following a six-game winless run.
He continued: “We believe he’s doing a brilliant job. He’s done fantastically in the last two senior tournaments and we want him to carry on leading us,” reports Sky.
While Southgate remains under contract until 2024, he could leave after the World Cup, particularly if England repeat their 1966 triumph, and who could replace him?
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