In the early days of the World Cup, several fans were harassed by security guards for wearing rainbow colors. That should change with immediate effect: the Welsh association is intervening with FIFA. She is said to have now instructed to stop the interventions in all stadiums.
Welsh fans will be allowed into the stadium with their hats and flags in rainbow colors for the forthcoming World Cup matches in Qatar without having to fear sanctions. This was announced by the Football Association of Wales on Twitter. The world association FIFA would have confirmed this before the group game on Friday against Iran. “All World Cup venues have been contacted and instructed to abide by the agreed rules and regulations,” said the Welshman.
Welsh fans got into trouble entering the stadium at the start of the World Cup for wearing rainbow hats. These were taken from female supporters ahead of their team’s 1-1 draw with the USA on Monday night at Al-Rajjan’s Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The traditional headgear called bucket hats had fans made with colored stripes as a sign of solidarity with the LGBTQI community.
Other fans, including a German supporter, also had trouble with stadium staff over paraphernalia in rainbow colors at this World Cup. Visitors were repeatedly asked to take off their brightly colored clothing and cover up the relevant motifs. The response from the world football association FIFA to a request from World Cup participants Wales now shows that these interventions will be discontinued. According to the law, homosexuality in Qatar is illegal and punishable by up to seven years in prison.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) immediately criticized the incidents. The FAW announced on Tuesday that they were extremely disappointed with the corresponding reports. Accordingly, association members were also asked to take off their hats before the game and throw them away before they were allowed entry. “We remain of the belief that football is for EVERYONE,” said the Welshmen, urging FIFA “to stick to their message that everyone is welcome in Qatar during the World Cup”.
