BELGIUM have been forced to change their World Cup kit after Fifa demanded that the word “love” be removed.
The Red Devils’ away shirt was based on the Tomorrowland festival’s fireworks show and is supposed to symbolise the shared values of diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
It was developed by both Adidas and the Royal Belgian Football Association for the World Cup.
It also has the word “love” written on the back underneath the players’ squad number.
However, it now needs to be removed as confirmed by the RBFA.
A statement from CEO Peter Bossaert read: “The word love must disappear.
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“It’s sad, but Fifa leaves us no choice. The rest of the equipment remains unchanged.”
Due to the necessary change, the Red Devils will now wear their red kit for the three group-stage games.
Roberto Martinez’s side will be facing Canada, Morroco and Croatia in Group F.
Captain Eden Hazard, like England’s skipper Harry Kane, has also been stopped from wearing the One Love armband.
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Bossaert added: “Eden will indeed not play with the One Love band.
“We have no choice, because the penalties are disproportionate. We can’t risk Eden getting a yellow card before the game starts.
“We were prepared to pay high fines – and we also indicated this in our conversations with Fifa – but there was simply no consultation possible.
“That means that we cannot continue our action.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
