FIFA crackdown leaves Vertonghen in fear of backing OneLove; Belgium ordered to change jersey
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 23 - On the eve of Belgium's opening World Cup game against Canada, Belgian veteran Jan Vertonghen said he was afraid to talk about the OneLove armband.
Belgian captain Eden Hazard will not wear the OneLove armband, as will captains of some other European nations, after FIFA threatens sporting sanctions
“I'm afraid to say more about it because I would like to play tomorrow. It's a shame that we have been brought into this situation. said Vertonghen at a press conference.
"I've never been one for making big political statements, but now I'm sadly afraid to say things about it. If you can't make a statement about ordinary things like 'no to racism or "no to discrimination"..."
"If you were to make a statement wearing the band now, I feel like you're punishing yourself more," Vertonghen said. "I've never been the man for big political statements, but now I'm sadly afraid to say things about it. If you can't make a statement about ordinary things like 'no to racism' or ' no to discrimination".
Belgium have also been forced to change their away shirt for the tournament. FIFA demanded that they remove the word "LOVE" worldwide.
Belgium, along with England, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland have all abandoned plans to have their captain wear an armband with the inscription "OneLove", a message against discrimination, but just days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he felt gay and disabled as well as a woman and a migrant worker. The world federation effectively intervened to kill all love on Qatari grounds.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1669212772labto1669212772ofdlr1669212772owedi1669212772sni@i1669212772tnuk.1669212772ardni1669212772mas1669212772
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
November 23 - On the eve of Belgium's opening World Cup game against Canada, Belgian veteran Jan Vertonghen said he was afraid to talk about the OneLove armband.
Belgian captain Eden Hazard will not wear the OneLove armband, as will captains of some other European nations, after FIFA threatens sporting sanctions
“I'm afraid to say more about it because I would like to play tomorrow. It's a shame that we have been brought into this situation. said Vertonghen at a press conference.
"I've never been one for making big political statements, but now I'm sadly afraid to say things about it. If you can't make a statement about ordinary things like 'no to racism or "no to discrimination"..."
"If you were to make a statement wearing the band now, I feel like you're punishing yourself more," Vertonghen said. "I've never been the man for big political statements, but now I'm sadly afraid to say things about it. If you can't make a statement about ordinary things like 'no to racism' or ' no to discrimination".
Belgium have also been forced to change their away shirt for the tournament. FIFA demanded that they remove the word "LOVE" worldwide.
Belgium, along with England, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland have all abandoned plans to have their captain wear an armband with the inscription "OneLove", a message against discrimination, but just days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he felt gay and disabled as well as a woman and a migrant worker. The world federation effectively intervened to kill all love on Qatari grounds.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1669212772labto1669212772ofdlr1669212772owedi1669212772sni@i1669212772tnuk.1669212772ardni1669212772mas1669212772
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