Ex-Uefa official: Fifa tipped to intervene as Tottenham star Harry Kane caught in new controversy
Fifa will try and prevent Tottenham striker Harry Kane from wearing a ‘OneLove’ captain’s armband for England at the Word Cup, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Uefa and World Cup referee claimed Fifa are willingly ignoring a political issue and will want the captains to wear armbands with their logo on them.
England confirmed last week (21 September) that Kane and nine other European captains will wear the armbands to “promote inclusion and send a message against discrimination”.
It was initiated by the Netherlands but the captains of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales will all take part.
“What we might find is that some degree of intervention before the tournament even begins,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“What usually happens is Fifa lay down some very strong ground rules as to what can or cannot be seen.
“Before every game, there is a detailed inspection of the kit. They check on the advertising to see if there is any and whether it conforms with Fifa regulations.
“They will check on this armband, that is expected to be worn, and whether it is allowed.
“It might be great that they are going to wear it but when they get to the tournament let’s see how it goes.
“Invaribly, the competitions provide the armbands for the captains because they show the Fifa logo on them.
“I think it’s likely that Fifa will likely try to restrict it. At the tournament, through their processes they will say ‘Sorry, no, the captain’s have to wear the armbands that are designated by the competition’.
“There is a clear political issue here that the governing body here, Fifa, are ignoring and have ignored from day one.
“They’ve gone through the process, given them the final and they should have said it in year one ‘You can have the World Cup, providing you meet these scenarios’. But it’s about money.”
In other news, Daniel Levy has “woken up to a nightmare” at Tottenham after the latest on Antonio Conte.