2023 Women’s World Cup: FIFA Undecided About Rainbow Armbands At The World Cup

FIFA has pledged to have "ongoing dialogue" with teams and players about the proposed rules that would prohibit the wearing of "OneLove" or rainbow armbands at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

In the wake of these events, Bild reported in Germany that FIFA has banned the team from wearing the armbands. At a team workshop, a FIFA spokesman told Sky Sports Football that no decision has been taken at this time.

The issue of team and captain punishment for not wearing a FIFA-mandated armband was a major talking point leading up to the men's World Cup in Qatar last year. After Qatar 2022, the issue was also addressed by the game's lawmakers at a meeting of the International Football Association Board.

In response, the governing body stated, "FIFA wishes to reiterate that no decision has been taken in relation to armbands. FIFA remains committed to ongoing dialogue with players and member associations."

Harry Kane, captain of the English national football team, was forced to abandon his intentions to wear a OneLove armband in Qatar, a country where being gay carries a prison sentence, during England’s match against Iran.

Captain of the English women's team and outspoken ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Leah Williamson, wore a rainbow armband when she hoisted the European Championship trophy last year at the Euro 2022 campaign and has stated her intention to do the same at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in New Zealand since 1986, there are extensive anti-discrimination protections, and New Zealanders are typically very accepting of the LGBT community. Also, there are lots of openly gay individuals from every aspect of life. 

Likewise, Australia has become one of the most LGBT-accepting countries in the world as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights have advanced during the second part of the twentieth century as well as the early 21st century.