FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced during a press briefing that captains participating in the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup will be given the opportunity to wear special armbands to highlight important social issues.
This decision follows the controversy surrounding the ‘OneLove’ rainbow armbands worn by captains during the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar.
The upcoming Women’s World Cup, expected to draw a staggering two billion television viewers, will serve as a global stage to promote various causes.
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Captains will have three options for their armbands during the tournament. They can choose a “Football Unites the World” armband to represent the overall theme, select an armband related to a specific cause of their choice, or opt for an armband that reflects the theme of the particular matchday.
The armbands will help shed light on a wide range of social issues, including gender equality, inclusivity, peace, ending hunger, education, and combating domestic violence.
By showcasing these causes throughout all 64 matches of the tournament, FIFA aims to create awareness and garner support for these important matters.
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FIFA’s decision to allow the armbands at the Women’s World Cup demonstrates their dedication to championing social causes and empowering women in football. Sarina Wiegman, the manager of the England national team, expressed her confidence in finding a positive solution regarding the armbands.
Furthermore, England midfielder Georgia Stanway confirmed that the players have Wiegman’s full support in wearing the armbands during the tournament.
The highly anticipated Women’s World Cup, recognized as the largest women’s sporting event, is set to kick off on July 20 at Eden Park, Auckland, with a captivating opening ceremony.
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The first match will be held between New Zealand and Norway. The tournament will culminate with the final taking place at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20.
