FIFA Finally Bows to Pressure, Does U-turn on Ban on Rainbow Hats and Flags in World Cup Stadiums

• FIFA has now approved the use of rainbow-colored bucket hats and banners inside stadiums after initially forbidding them during the World Cup in Qatar
• The first week of the Qatar 2022 World Cup has been marred by FIFA’s handling of LGBTQ+ symbols after rainbow-colored signage were banned from Stadiums
• Germany’s players covered their mouths during a team photo ahead of their 2-1 defeat against Japan in protest of FIFA’s initial ban of the symbolism

FIFA has now rescinded its decision to ban rainbow hats and flags inside World Cup stadiums following heavy criticisms from football federations and some supporters.

The football governing body had initially placed a ban on rainbow hats and flags in stadiums and had threatened to impose sanctions on nations who wear the OneLove armband in Qatar.

According to Metro UK, fans will now be allowed to watch World Cup matches in the stadium by putting on their rainbow hats and flags after FIFA bowed to pressure to rescind the ban.

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Seven European nations competing at the World Cup including Germany, England, and Wales had planned to wear the OneLove anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament.

Germany’s players had protested FIFA’s decision by covering their mouths during a team photo before their first World Cup game while the Football Association of Denmark said they were open to withdrawing from Fifa altogether over the controversy.

Fans prevented from entering Stadium

Meanwhile, earlier this week, a group of Wales supporters had their rainbow-themed bucket hats removed as they tried to get into the stadium in Qatar, Daily Mirror reports.

The match against the United States was Wale’s first World Cup match for more than 60 years but fans with rainbow-themed buckets were prevented from seeing the game.

The rainbow colours have been a major talking point throughout the build-up and first week of the tournament.

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Gianni Infantino slammed by football fans

Earlier, Sports Brief reported FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has been receiving backlash from European football fans, following the threat made by the football governing body on the OneLove armband.

England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland confirmed they would not wear the armband, after FIFA had threatened to impose sporting sanctions if they do.

The Football Supporters Association (FSA) has now hit out at Infantino, as they confirmed they feel angered and betrayed by the world football body.