Iranians At The World Cup Protest During The Iran Vs England Game

FIFA has tried to continue with the World Cup even as it deals with a barrage of criticism.

On Monday, seven European countries had no plans to wear the rainbow armbands that mark anti-discrimination and inclusion after FIFA threatened to punish them, including handing them automatic yellow cards.

The England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland captains have planned to wear OneLove rainbow armbands during the match. But the respective football associations later said in a joint statement that they were “unable” to do so again because of FIFA’s threat.

“We are ready to pay the fines that are usually imposed for violating the kit regulations and have a strong commitment to wear the armband,” the association said. “However, we cannot put players in a situation where they can be booked or even forced to leave the field.”

On the eve of Sunday’s opening match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defied critics with a scathing speech in which he claimed to know discrimination against marginalized groups because, as a child, he was bullied for having red hair and freckles.

“Today, I am called Qatari. Today, I am called Arab. Today, I am called African. Today, I am called gay. Today, I am disabled. Today, I am called migrant worker,” said Infantino. “Of course, I’m not Qatari, I’m not Arab, I’m not African, I’m not gay, I’m not disabled. But I feel that way, because I know what it means to be discriminated against, to be harassed.”