Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall has criticised FIFA for threatening England and six other European nations with punishment had they decided to wear 'OneLove' armbands as planned in World Cup matches.
Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Wales were due to promote their message of inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar, a country where same-sex relationships are criminalised, starting with Harry Kane leading the way in the Three Lions' opener versus Iran on Monday afternoon.
Hours ahead of kick-off, however, it emerged that none of the aforementioned nations would be carrying out this plan any longer after being warned by FIFA that punishment would follow for those participating in this campaign.
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An FA statement explaining this decision read : "We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband. However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play."
Bucking the trend of players opting out of this arrangement, BBC Sport presenter Alex Scott choose to sport the 'OneLove' armband ahead of kick-off when stood pitchside with fellow colleague Kelly Somers.
Offering his view on the controversial stance taken by FIFA on this matter, Everton legend Southall tweeted: "So wearing an armband that includes everyone is wrong. Surely FIFA are going against their own inclusivity policy by penalising players? One country's cash has become a FIFA rule. Absolute joke."
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