Belgium have been told by FIFA to change their away shirt for the Qatar World Cup on the eve of the tournament as it contains the worl ‘love’.
That is according to Peter Bossaert, CEO of the Belgian Football Association, who says the team have been told to change their kit ahead of their opening game against Canada on Wednesday.
It comes in the wake of FIFA warning Belgium, England and five other European nations that their captains would be booked if they wore the ‘OneLove’, rainbow captain’s armband for their matches.
Belgium and the other nations have all agreed not to wear it after the threat of a booking for their skipper.
But now the Belgians must also change their away kit as it contains the word love and incorporates rainbow colours.
“The word LOVE must disappear,” Bossaert told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad.
“It’s sad, but FIFA leaves us no choice. The rest of the equipment remains unchanged.”
Nieuwsblad report how the original away shirt was designed in association with Adidas. They explain how the design was inspired by the world-famous Tomorrowland fireworks and symbolises the shared values of diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
