Following a contentious build-up, Fifa wrote to each of the 32 World Cup teams instructing them to “now focus on the game.”
The host nation of Qatar has come under fire for its views on same-sex couples, record on human rights, and treatment of migrant labor.
Football shouldn’t be “dragged” into ideological or political “battles,” according to the letter, and it shouldn’t be “handing out moral teachings.”
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, some players have prepared civil protests.
Harry Kane of England and nine other captains of European countries will don armbands with the slogan “One Love.”
Also, despite France being the defending champions, Paris and other French cities are refusing to show matches in public spaces.
Furthermore, the Australian team has made a film calling on Qatar to repeal its restrictions on same-sex unions.
Meanwhile, Hummel, the company that makes Denmark’s uniforms, has stated that it “does not intend to be visible” in a competition that “has cost thousands of lives” and that Denmark will wear “toned-down” shirts to oppose Qatar.
We understand that football does not exist in a vacuum, and we are also cognizant of the numerous challenges and difficulties of a political nature that exist throughout the world, according to the letter.
The letter further encouraged the countries to allow football to take the centre stage rather than ideologies and beliefs.