Captains are allowed to play at the World Cup with an inclusion group

The tape reads ‘Unite for Inclusion’. The captain’s armband also resembles, in terms of colors and the accompanying heart, the OneLove captain’s armband developed by the KNVB.

The Men’s World Cup caused a sensation last November. FIFA banned seven European countries that intended to do so, including the Netherlands, from playing with the OneLove captain’s armband. If that happened, the captain in question would receive a yellow card. The seven countries therefore abstained. FIFA was widely criticized, especially as the decision was made on the day England, Wales and the Netherlands (three of the seven countries) were due to play their first group match.

For the Women’s World Cup, FIFA consulted with the captains in advance, including Sherida Spitse van Oranje. “The message of the OneLove group is important to us. We have always said that we want to convey to our team that we are for connection and against all forms of discrimination. We just don’t think that is fixed in the OneLove statement. As far as we are concerned, you convey this message with your heart,” says Spitse. “Recently there have been many discussions with FIFA about which captain’s armbands can be worn at the World Cup. The solution that is now offered with the seven different bands is a good solution for us. It gives us the opportunity to further develop the message that we think is important.”

The KNVB is satisfied with the result. “What we agree on is that we really want to send a positive message in favor of inclusion,” said Gijs de Jong, secretary general of the football association, during the final of the Champions League between FC Barcelona and VfL Wolfsburg earlier this month. .Eindhoven. “In joint consultation, including with the players, we will see how exactly we can do that.”