The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will begin on Sunday. The competition has not yet started but is already plagued by scandals. Controversies swirled over the hectic schedule and the country’s track record on human rights.
The United States men’s national team has decided to make a powerful statement on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. The crest for the USMNT squad was redesigned with rainbow colors. Usually, the crest is red.
The organization felt that the situation in Qatar demanded it take a stand. Homosexuality is illegal in the country, which follows Islamic morality.
USMNT’s Chief Communications Officer Neil Buethe explained in a statement to The Daily Mail: “Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of U.S. Soccer. As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe.”
Buethe continued: “As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the FIFA World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas, and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow U.S. Soccer branding.”
Several organizations have pushed for a boycott of the competition. The USMNT is not alone in this fight. However, other nations like France have chosen a different route to highlight the problems with Qatar.
“It’s a sign of our values and what we represent as the men’s national team and U.S. Soccer, and we’re a group that believes in inclusivity.”
A rainbow crest at the training facility is one way #USMNT is embracing its “Be the Change” identity in Qatarhttps://t.co/83O4a4EzxL pic.twitter.com/s4UXUyadLQ
— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) November 14, 2022
Moreover, it is not always easy for the players who just want to focus on shining during the big competition without extra pressure.
France captain Hugo Lloris said at a press conference: “Honestly, I agree [with FIFA’s sentiment]. There’s too much pressure on the players. We are at the bottom of the chain. If you have to apply pressure, first of all, it had to be ten years ago. Now it’s too late. You have to understand that for players, this opportunity happens every four years, and you want every chance to succeed. The focus has to be on the field. The rest is for politicians. We are athletes.”
Australia and Denmark have also taken some actions to protest about Qatar’s record on human rights. Some fans say that politics should not be part of the World Cup.
The USMNT will take on Wales for their first Group B match on Monday. England and Iran are also in the same group. The two leaders of the group will make it to the next round.
While the match against Gareth Bale‘s Wales is expected to be close, the USMNT is a slight favorite.
