Another turnaround: FIFA now allows rainbow colors in the stadium

Created: 11/25/2022 11:34 am

By: Melanie Gottschalk

Not only Paddington, but also the fans in the stadiums of the 2022 World Cup should now be allowed to wear rainbow colors.

© Dave Shopland/imago

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, law enforcement officials are cracking down on people wearing rainbow colors.

That should change now.

Doha - Five matchdays at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have already drawn some criticism of the host country and FIFA.

For example, the World Football Association temporarily banned the captains of nine European nations from wearing the "One Love" bandage and threatened undefined "sporting consequences".

In addition, fans who wanted to enter the stadiums with rainbow-colored clothing or items were ordered by the security forces to remove or cover them.

But that should now come to a surprising end.

Because as the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced on Thursday evening (November 24) via Twitter, the Welsh fans will be allowed into the stadium with their hats and flags in rainbow colors at the upcoming games of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar without having to fear sanctions.

The world association FIFA would have confirmed this before the group game between Wales and Iran on Friday (November 25).

"All World Cup venues have been contacted and instructed to abide by the agreed rules and regulations," the Welsh said.

However, the ban on the "One Love" bandage will probably not change.

World Cup 2022: Welsh fans have trouble entering the stadium

Welsh fans got into trouble entering the stadium at the start of the 2022 World Cup for wearing rainbow hats.

These were taken from the supporters before their team's 1-1 draw against the USA on Monday evening (November 21) at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

The traditional headgear called buckets had fans made with colored stripes as a sign of solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community. 

Other fans, including a German supporter, also had trouble with stadium staff over paraphernalia in rainbow colors at this World Cup.

A Danish fan was denied entry to the stadium because of rainbow socks.

According to the law, homosexuality in Qatar is illegal and punishable by up to seven years in prison.

World Cup 2022: Welsh Football Association criticizes incidents around the stadium

The Welsh Football Association immediately criticized the incidents around the stadiums.

The FAW announced on Tuesday (November 22nd) that they were extremely disappointed with the corresponding reports.

Accordingly, association members were also asked to take off their hats before the game and throw them away before they were allowed entry.

"We remain of the belief that football is for EVERYONE," the Welsh said, urging FIFA "to stick to their message that everyone is welcome in Qatar during the World Cup".

(msb/dpa)