England are prepared to face Fifa punishment by wearing the ‘OneLove’ anti-discrimination armband at the World Cup.
Ten European nations have committed to promote inclusion and campaign against discrimination this season.
Eight of them have qualified for Qatar and Fifa is coming under pressure to allow the captains of each of those teams to wear an armband with a multi-coloured heart design at the tournament that kicks off next month.
As yet, no permission has been granted.
Fifa rules prohibit teams from bringing their own armband designs to the World Cup and require nations to use equipment supplied by the governing body. But the English Football Association is determined to make a stand even it means being fined for breaking Fifa rules.
A person with knowledge of the decision said that England will wear the armband in Qatar regardless of Fifa’s wishes.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he added that FA requested permission to wear it at the World Cup, but after waiting for three weeks, had yet to receive a response.
“OneLove” was initiated in the Netherlands, and Belgium, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Wales got involved in the drive.
England captain Harry Kane wore the armband for the Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
