The KNVB ignores FIFA’s initiative to wear the pro-inclusion captain’s armband introduced by the latter itself. FIFA seems to want to thwart the intention of European unions to play with the One-Love band, but the KNVB sees nothing in that. The Dutch football association stands firm and stands behind its own campaign. Virgil van Dijk therefore simply plays with the One-Love band at the World Cup.
That captaincy stands for equality in terms of origin, race, gender and sexuality. FIFA has now introduced its own band, with which it seems to want to meet Qatar. Jaap Paulsen of the KNVB thinks the initiative of the global football association is ‘a bit late’. “We have received a letter from FIFA about the captain’s armband. It indicates that FIFA has also designed a kind of pro-inclusion band. That is very nice, although the initiative is a bit late. We have decided to just use our own band, so the One Love band.”
The Netherlands, which wears the One-Love band in Qatar with seven other European countries – including England and Wales – is facing a possible fine from FIFA. “To date, we have not received approval or disapproval from FIFA. But we have already decided that if that disapproval comes, the band will still be worn by Virgil. In that case, the KNVB will take the fine that is on it,” Paulsen said in conversation with The Telegraph. In addition to Van Dijk, England captain Harry Kane and Wales captain Gareth Bale also want to continue to wear the band during the tournament.
Hugo Lloris, the captain of France, would initially do the same. However, the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper indicated at a press conference earlier this week that he would like to give up. “I have a personal opinion on the subject. And it resembles that of our chairman Noël Le Graët. When we receive foreigners in France, we often want them to adapt to our rules and respect our culture. I tend to do the same in Qatar, no more, no less. I can agree or disagree with their ideas, but I think it’s a matter of showing respect.”