FIFA has advised all 32 teams competing in this month’s World Cup in Qatar to focus on the game of football.
According to reports, even before the competition began on November 20 in Qatar, controversies plagued it.
Qatar has faced criticism for its stance on same-sex couples, human rights records, and treatment of migrant labour.
However, England’s captain and nine other European team captains will be wearing ‘One Love’ armbands as part of a peaceful protest planned for the course.
Many other countries will protest peacefully against Qatar in various ways.
Denmark will wear “toned-down” shirts in protest of Qatar; however, the shirt’s supplier, Hummel, has stated that it does not want to be seen at a competition where it claims thousands of lives have been lost.
Even though France is the reigning champion, Paris and other French cities refuse to show matches publicly.
Reacting to the aforementioned, a FIFA letter, which was signed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura, urges nations to “now focus on the football” and declares that “Everyone is welcome regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality.”
“We are aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world.” it added.