France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris won’t wear rainbow armband at World Cup in Qatar
The defending champions are one of 13 European nations to sign up to the ‘OneLove’ campaign against discrimination while in the host country
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will not wear a rainbow-coloured captain’s armband at the World Cup in Qatar, he has hinted.
The defending champions are one of 13 European nations to sign up to the ‘OneLove’ campaign against discrimination while in the host country where same-sex relationships are against the law.
Fifa rules prohibit teams from bringing their own armband designs to the World Cup and insist they must use equipment provided by the governing body, although many - including England - have hinted they will defy the regulations in Qatar.
Asked on Monday about the initiative during a news conference at France's training ground, Lloris appeared skeptical.
"Before we start anything, we need the agreement of Fifa, the agreement of the (French) federation," Lloris said. "Of course, I have my personal opinion on the topic. And it's quite close to the (French federation) president's."
French federation president Noel Le Graet previously said he would prefer Lloris did not wear it because he does not want his country to lecture others.
"When we are in France, when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar, quite simply," Lloris said. "I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect."
Armbands are the latest battleground for players to push political messages linked to the World Cup hosted in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal and the treatment of migrant workers building projects for the tournament has been a decade-long controversy.
The Tottenham goalkeeper, however, added that France players would likely join forces for a collective action in relation to the respect of human rights in Qatar.
"We can't remain insensitive to these issues. It will be done in a few days, or hours, we will see," Lloris said.
The French squad travel to Qatar on Wednesday before starting the defence of their title against Australia on 22 November. They also face Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments