FIFA Demands Belgium to Remove ‘Love’ from World Cup Jersey Ahead of Belgium vs. Canada Match

Belgian officials have confirmed that FIFA has requested that the word ‘LOVE’ be removed from the collar of the team’s away jersey. The move comes in tandem with a demand from world football’s governing body that various European teams abandon a move to wear a ‘OneLove’ rainbow armband aimed at promoting anti-discrimination issues throughout the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

According to ESPN, FIFA refused to enter dialogue with figures within Belgian football regarding the issue, instead issuing a unilateral directive. This has left many in Belgian football circles feeling frustrated, as they feel that FIFA is not taking into account the inclusive message that the team’s jersey represents.

The Belgian FA has confirmed that it will be removing the word ‘love’ from the away jersey and is currently looking for an alternative slogan to put on the collar. The team will debut its new jersey in Wednesday’s World Cup match against Canada.

Despite the frustration from some of Belgian football’s stakeholders, many have voiced their support for FIFA’s decision and recognise its importance in upholding the spirit of fair play that is associated with the game.

Ultimately, FIFA has made it clear that any breach of its regulations will not be tolerated, regardless of the motivation behind them. The Belgian FA is now looking to ensure that it complies with these regulations while still conveying an inclusive message on behalf of its team and country

FIFA has confirmed that the captains of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands will not be allowed to wear the OneLove anti-discrimination armband in their World Cup opening games. The armbands are part of an initiative by Fare (Football Against Racism in Europe) to promote diversity and inclusion, but FIFA has ruled that they contravene its rules on political and commercial advertising.

LGBTQ+ rights campaigners have condemned FIFA's threats to impose sanctions on players who wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup in Qatar.

The armband is a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community and has been worn by players including’s Harry Kane in recent months. 

Amnesty International has called on FIFA to reverse its decision, saying that it “sends a dangerous message that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people are not welcome in Qatar”.