IT's been confirmed that Harry Kane WON'T wear his One Love armband for England's game against Iran, after it was reported that he could face significant disciplinary action if he did.
The 2022 World Cup could going on Sunday afternoon UK time, when controversial host nation Qatar played Ecuador, losing 2-0 in the opening game, as the country faced a barrage of criticism from pundits and fans across the world.
Gareth Southgate's England will open their World Cup account against Iran and captain Kane is all set to wear a different captain's armband to usual, as he wears a special One Love armband, potentially risking disciplinary action. On Sunday, The Sun reported that the FA were adamant that Kane will honour go ahead with the gesture, with the Spur striker saying: " "I feel we've made it clear as a team, as a staff and as an organisation that we want to wear the armband.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker 'confronts' Qatar with powerful World Cup opening speech
"I know the FA are talking to Fifa at the moment. "I'm sure by game time tomorrow they'll have their decision. We've made it clear that we want to wear it."
However, just before 10am on Monday morning, the FA put out a statement saying Kane wouldn't be wearing the armband after all.
What is Harry Kane's One Love armband for?
Kane and Wales captain Gareth Bale were both set to wear the armband in support of LGBTQ+ communities across the world and amid concerns for gay fans safety should they go to Qatar for the World Cup, given homosexuality is still illegal in the Middle Eastern country and punishable with people facing fines, prison or even the death penalty.
The armband, a multicoloured design with the words ‘OneLove’ and a number 1 inside a heart, is aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion.
Kane's plans to wear the One Love armband comes after BBC host Gary Lineker opened the channel's World Cup coverage with a powerful monologue confronting the huge issues with Qatar hosting the tournament. . Looking down the lens, the former Spurs star and England striker said: "Ever since FIFA chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest nation to host football's greatest competition has faced some big questions.
The Match of the Day host continued: "From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who've built the stadiums where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here and women's rights are also in the spotlight. Also the decision to switch the tournament from summer to winter.
He ended his opening gambit by adding: "Against that back drop, there is a tournament to be played here that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to football say FIFA, well we will - for a couple of minutes at least."
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