England boss Sarina Wiegman addresses Lionesses' choices over World Cup armbands

13 July 2023 , 15:19

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Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England, looks on during a training session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium (Image: Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

While all 32 teams competing in the biggest Women’s World Cup to date, which kicks off in one week, are strictly prohibited from wearing the rainbow One Love armband in support of LGBTQ+ rights. Instead, they have eight alternatives to choose from, all representing different causes.

Lioness captain Millie Bright is yet to announce which armband she will sport throughout what looks set to be the greatest women’s sporting event of all time. But England boss, Sarina Weigman told Sky Sports her side are in good spirits: “I think the players are happy with the solution.

“I think first of all it’s good that there is a solution ahead of the tournament. I think with the armbands, it's up to the team what armband they want to wear and I think we’re in a really good place with that.”

FIFA threatened sanctions to those who do not comply with the same regulations that stopped teams from wearing the OneLove armband at last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar. Throughout the previous tournament, captains could be booked or forced to leave the pitch if they chose to ignore FIFA’s ruling, which looks to continue across the globe to Australia and New Zealand.

The white band option with the ‘Unite for inclusion’ inscription is the closest of the eight FIFA alternatives to the One Love armband, but whichever England’s Lionesses chose to wear, will be in full support of the backroom staff.

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Wiegman added: “The players will decide and they will live by their values anyway and we as staff will support them in any choice they make with the armband.”

The growing platform of the women’s game has allowed players to stand for causes dearest to their hearts such as the letter to the prime minister calling for girls' football in schools, the amendment to the kit - eradicating white shorts due to period concerns, and have opted to wear the One Love armband representing LGBTQ+ rights for international ties to date.

Considering several players globally are openly part of the LGBTQ+ community, a number from the England squad too, as are travelling fans and those supporting from home it seems bizarre to squander the right to boldly represent such a community.

Instead, the armbands with Fifa’s seal of approval are: Unite for Inclusion, Unite for Indigenous Peoples, Unite for Gender Equality, Unite for Peace, Unite for Education for All, Unite for Zero, Unite for Ending Violence Against Women and Football is Joy, Peace, Love, Hope and Passion - such themes were picked following consultations with all 32 participating teams, players and United Nations agencies.

The World Cup kicks off on July 20, while England don't start their campaign until the 22nd against tournament debutants Haiti.

Louise Wilkes