FIFA World Cup: Hugo Lloris says he won't wear the rainbow armband at the World Cup in Qatar
As teams prepare for the 2022 World Cup, much attention will be paid to whether players will discuss Qatar's record on human rights and attitude toward women's and LGBTQ+ rights
Hugo Lloris has hinted he will not wear a rainbow-colored armband with a rainbow heart design to campaign against discrimination during World Cup games in QatarHugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for the defending champions France, believes that players are "at the bottom of the chain" and that politicians should do the talking.
France, the reigning World Cup champion, was one of eight of the thirteen European soccer teams traveling to Qatar in September who joined the "OneLove" campaign, which originated in the Netherlands.
FIFA regulations forbid teams from carrying their unique armband designs to the World Cup and require them to use the equipment the governing body supplies.
Hugo Lloris, captain of France and Tottenham Hotspur, has intimated that he will not carry a rainbow-colored armband during the World Cup in Qatar to protest discrimination.
Lloris was suspicious when asked about the plan during a news conference at France's training facility on Monday.
The rainbow colors are linked with the LGBTQ+ community, an oppressed segment of society in the host nation.
Lloris said, "Before we start anything, we need the agreement of FIFA, the agreement of the federation. Of course, I have my personal opinion on the topic. And it's quite close to the [French federation] president's."
Nol Le Grat, the president of the French Football Association, has stated in the past that he would rather players not wear it out of respect for local beliefs and customs.
Lloris added, "When we are in France when we welcome foreigners, we often want them to follow our rules, to respect our culture, and I will do the same when I go to Qatar, quite simply. I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I have to show respect."
There is too much pressure on players, says Hugo Lloris
Social issues regarding the Islamic country's record on human rights and oppression of the LGBTQ+ population have overshadowed the buildup to the championship event, which begins on November 20.
Therefore, players from across the world are under pressure to utilise the forthcoming event to bring attention to the problems in Qatar.
In this World Cup, Lloris believes that the players are under too much pressure, "Honestly, I agree, there's too much pressure on the players. We are at the bottom of the chain."
When questioned about his return to the Premier League following the World Cup, Lloris stated that he expects the players to return unhurt.