The FA are willing to receive a fine for England captain Harry Kane wearing a ‘One Love’ armband at the World Cup in Qatar, according to reports.
Whilst not designed to reference anti-LGBTQ laws directly, England’s armband will be worn in an effort to promote inclusivity within a country that outlaws same sex relationships.
As a result of their stance on homosexuality, Qatar has been the subject of criticism throughout the build-up to the major tournament, which starts on Sunday.
FIFA, who usually prohibit the use of slogans or political messages on kits, urged nations not to
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham revealed to Sky Sports on Thursday that the governing body had sent a request to FIFA asking to wear the multicoloured armband at the tournament.
The FA have yet to receive a response in two months.
‘They haven’t given us any response to our letter,’ Bullingham said.
‘I think there’s a possibility that we might be fined. And if we are, then we’ll pay the fine.
‘We think it’s really important to show our values. And that’s what we’ll be doing.
‘It’s sad for us that quite a few of our LGBTQ fans have decided not to come and I know a lot of our Three Lions Pride members are not coming.
‘And that was frustrating because they didn’t get the information they wanted in time to make their arrangements.’
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, and Bullingham is confident the Three Lions can win the tournament.
Gareth Southgate led his side to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and to the final of Euro 2020 last year.
Bullingham added: ‘We go into any major tournament wanting to do as well as possible and we think we’re one of between six and eight teams that could win the trophy.’