DOHA, Qatar FIFA’s threat of on-field punishment for players pushed World Cup teams to back down Monday and abandon a plan for their captains to wear armbands that were seen as a rebuke to host nation Qatar’s human rights record.Just hours before.
The standoff was the latest dispute that threatened to overshadow tournament play. Qatar has faced criticism of its treatment of migrant workers and its criminalization of homosexuality.
The captains of seven European nations had vowed to wear armbands carrying the heart-shaped multi-colored logo of the 'One Love' campaign, which promotes inclusion and diversity in soccer and society
FIFA warned captains wearing armbands in support of the “One Love” campaign would be given a yellow card immediately, forcing teams to back down from their plans.