Fifa made the wrong call, but World Cup players still had a chance to make a statement and support the LGBTQ+ community – even it if meant repercussions, writes Sophie Goodwin.
To quote Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, “today I feel gay”. Unlike Infantino, this is not a just a “feeling” (nor a terrible PR move) for people like me and former footballer Alex Scott.
We don’t have a choice (like players did, to wear an armband or not).
People like Scott travelled to Qatar, knowing they can’t safely be who they are while in the country. Not because it’s taboo – because it’s illegal.
I stand with Alex Scott – she’s braver than I ever could have been.
The ex-Arsenal and England player wore a “OneLove” armband pitchside in Qatar, after European nations said they would no longer do the same during their matches.
The rainbow armband was to be worn by team captains – including England and Wales – in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people, who could be criminalised in Qatar.
But, on the day of England’s first match at the tournament, the teams did a U-turn and did not wear an armband. Football governing body, Fifa, said that, if they did, players would receive a yellow card.
Fifa is wrong to bring in such a punishment, but the teams had a chance to make a statement and wear the rainbow armband – even it if meant repercussions.
Scott has shown more bravery than entire England team
There were big risks in Alex Scott doing what she did. By speaking out and wearing the rainbow armband, she has put herself in the firing line in more ways than one.
The people on social media criticising her should try and understand her situation before posting their tweets. Scott is an out, gay woman who also happens to be a very talented pundit for the BBC.
Alex Scott is wearing the One Love arm band whilst presenting on BBC One. pic.twitter.com/GAZxwEKw0H
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) November 21, 2022
“But, she’s happy to accept hundreds and thousands of pounds to go out there” was the main criticism I saw directed at her.
I imagine Scott is contracted to work at competitions like this and, even if she’s not, she can make more of a point at the World Cup than she could at home. If she had refused to go to Qatar ahead of the tournament, that conversation would have been long forgotten about by now, and people would have moved on.
Alex Scott has shone a powerful spotlight on a plethora of issues, and become an important voice in a much-needed conversation
Gareth Southgate’s men will aim to become heroes on the pitch, but it’s one of England’s former women’s team stars that people should really be looking up to right now.
Alex Scott has shone a powerful spotlight on a plethora of issues, and become an important voice in a much-needed conversation. The response to her actions has reminded me of how much work still needs to be done – not just in Qatar, but closer to home, too.
Players were unwilling to make a small sacrifice
If the captains of the European nation teams had worn the rainbow armband – for one game, at least – it would have sent a message: one that would have resonated.
For them, it would have little more consequence than a yellow card, and probably no repercussions when they got back home. I reckon it would’ve been a small sacrifice to make.
Compare that to the Qatari LGBTQ+ people who have to conceal who they are, because the consequence for them could be a death sentence.
Following his team’s 6-2 win over Iran, England captain Harry Kane said the decision to wear a rainbow armband was “out of their control as players”.
It’s true that footballers are so often told to just stick to football. However, players at the World Cup have to shoulder some moral responsibility and, of course, football associations have to take ultimate accountability.
Pride is a protest – it’s supposed to make people uncomfortable. It’s not about asking or waiting for permission.
I can’t see past Fifa’s poor decisions
This is not the first World Cup to take place in a controversial country or under problematic circumstances, and it won’t be the last. The 2026 tournament will be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA – where five people were killed in a mass shooting at a gay club in Colorado last weekend.
Fifa has put Qatar and football before things that matter much more
My feeling – at a very basic level – is that, if a country is to hold a major competition, like the World Cup, then it must be able to host all versions of the tournament. For example, the Women’s World Cup could never be held in Qatar – hence why the likes of Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Beth Mead have spoken out against the men’s tournament taking place there.
When the Lionesses won the Euros in summer, England had a number of openly gay players in their starting 11 – and several more on the substitutes bench. Those women and their partners wouldn’t have been entirely safe to play or openly support one another in a place like Qatar.
People will watch and enjoy this World Cup, which I can understand – but Fifa has put Qatar and football before things that matter much more. It’s something I can’t see past.
Sophie Goodwin is a sports journalist for The Press & Journal and Evening Express, and recently won Sports Journalist of the Year 2022 at the Women in Local News Awards
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