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      Female referees to make history by officiating at a men’s World Cup for the first time

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      FEMALE referees are set to be used for the first time at a men’s World Cup.French-born Stéphanie Frappart, 38, Rwandan midwife Salima Mukasanga, 34, and Japanese fitness trainer Yoshimi Yamashita, 36, will all appear.
      French-born Stéphanie Frappart, 38, will appear in the World CupCredit: AFP
      It is the first time in the 92-year history of football’s most prestigious tournament that a woman will officiate a match.
      French-born Frappart, 38, previously made history as the first woman to referee matches in France’s Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League and World Cup qualification matches.
      She became a FIFA-qualified referee in 2009.
      Frappart said of host nation Qatar, which places strict rules on women: “I will go there for the competition. I wouldn’t go there for the environment”
      “But perhaps this World Cup will improve women’s rights in the country.”
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Rwandan midwife Mukansanga, 34, and Japanese personal trainer Yamashita, 36, have also been selected to officiate on the global stage.
      The fleet of female officials said they were confident refereeing in front of a worldwide audience scrutinising their every decision.
      Legendary official Pierluigi Collina, head of the referees’ committee, said: “For us, they are referees, they are match officials.”
      Collina, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final, added that the women were not picked because of their gender and would be allowed to officiate games involving conservative nations such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate vows to get England smiling again with rousing World Cup battle cry

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      CHEER We Go! Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate vowed to get England smiling again with a rousing World Cup battle cry.Fans back home are struggling with the cost of living crisis and the soccer spectacular in Qatar has been dogged by grim human rights rows and a beer ban.
      Gareth Southgate vowed to get England smiling again with a rousing World Cup battle cry
      There were empty seats at the Qatar World Cup’s elaborate opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Captain Harry Kane wants to lead England to its first World Cup win since 1966
      The team’s One Love armband makes a stand for LGBT+ rights
      But the patriotic pair pledged to give lionhearts a tournament to make them forget their woes ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s Group B curtain raiser clash against Iran.
      Gaffer Gareth said: “We’re in the middle of an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people.
      “So we want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with the team that brings some real happiness.
      “Our country expects. The team are excited.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      England face minnows Iran at the 45,400-seat Khalifa International Stadium after reaching the semi-final at Russia 2018 and losing the final of Euro 2020 on penalties.
      But captain Kane, 29, spoke of his hunger to go one better in Qatar and end 56 years of hurt by landing our first trophy since 1966.

      The Spurs idol said “You have to appreciate these moments, and I am really looking forward to this one because we have got a really good team, a great blend of experience and youth.
      “In life in general you have to take opportunities that come your way.”
      Most read in The Sun
      Tomorrow’s opening England game kicks off at 1pm on a day that has been dubbed “Bunk-Off Monday” as millions of workers either throw a sickie or tune in while at work.
      School pupils – and soccer-mad staff – across the country will also take time out to watch the big game on TV.
      As many as one-in-ten schools will allow pupils – and footy mad teachers – to take a break, according to a survey by app Teacher Tapp.
      Chris Dyson, headteacher of Parklands Primary School, Leeds, said: “If the children know they can come in and watch the game, they’ll come in.”
      World Cup 2022 ambassador David Beckham watched hosts Qatar play Ecuador from a private boxCredit: Javier Garcia/Shutterstock
      There was a display of fireworks at the elaborate opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman performed at the opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      He was on stage with disabled Qatari influencer Ghanim al MuftahCredit: Getty
      Apart from the football fans can expect to see the Three Lions take the knee as they back their campaign against racism.
      Southgate said: “We have discussed taking the knee, we feel we should. It is what we stand for as a team and have done for a considerable amount of time.”
      Kane and Southgate fired the opening shots of the Qatar campaign after a glitzy opening ceremony earlier today led by Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman.
      But the Arab hosts were stung by a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador – and catcalls from the South American fans demanding: “queremos cerveza” or “we want beer”.
      The jibe came as beer sponsors Budweiser showed off the mountainous stocks of cans going to waste thanks to Qatar’s last ditch stadium ban – and offered them to the nation which triumphs.
      Qatar tournament ambassador David Beckham took his seat in the VIP section at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor near under-fire Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
      The Fifa bigwig – who sparked a storm by branding Europeans racist for daring to criticise the hosts appalling record on migrant worker deaths – smiled benignly as the pageant began.
      Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani — who bankrolled the incredible £185billion spent on the tournament — also smiled and waved from the stands.
      Shawshank Redemption star Freeman, 85, narrated the opening of the show and chatted on stage in a segment with disabled Qatari entrepreneur and influencer Ghanim al Muftah, 20.
      Read More on The Sun
      Empty seats could be seen in the 60,000 Al Bayt Stadium during the opening ceremony which filled only at kick-off when performers piled in and began cheering on the host nation.
      Big name performers shunned the ceremony where South Korean star Jungkook of boy band BTS topped the bill. More

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      England’s Harry Kane vows to end 56 yrs of World Cup hurt as Three Lions roar into action against Iran in Qatar

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      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane roared into action in Qatar last night — pledging to end 56 years of World Cup hurt.The striker is aiming to lead the Three Lions to victory in their first group match today against Iran.
      Harry Kane is aiming to lead England to victory in their first group match today against IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The striker and captain revealed he is willing to defy any Fifa moves to ban the ‘One Love’ rainbow armband he will wearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The World Cup began yesterday with a spectacular opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Two yellow cards in the first two group games will rule the Kane out of boss Gareth Southgate’s (pictured) side for the vital third clash with WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And he revealed he is willing to defy any Fifa moves to ban the “One Love” rainbow armband.
      Pressure mounted last night as it emerged he could be booked the second the match kicks off if he wears it, or be forced to remove it in the dressing room.
      Two successive yellow cards in the first two group games will rule the Spurs goal-scoring ace out of boss Gareth Southgate’s side for the vital third clash with Wales.
      The move — backing gay rights and inclusivity — will defy a ban by football’s world governing body Fifa on promoting “political” issues at matches.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Homosexuality is banned in the Muslim Gulf state and can still carry the death sentence.
      FA and Fifa bosses were last night wrangling over the issue as a Three Lions source confided: “We’ve had no clarity from Fifa but there are rumours.”

      Irked world football bosses issued an alternative armband to the 32 competing nations on the eve of yesterday’s opening game which saw hosts Qatar lose 2-0 to Ecuador.
      Harry, 29, said he was prepared to risk a fine or booking for making the gesture — and vowed to back the team’s core values.
      Most read in The Sun
      He said: “We have made it clear as a team and an organisation that we want to wear the armband.
      “I know that the FA and Fifa are talking and we will have a decision, but I want to wear it”.
      England are the first of eight European teams committed to the policy.
      A shadow also potentially hangs over Liverpool’s Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk and Wales skipper Gareth Bale, who also play today.
      Fifa declined to make any comment on “speculation”.
      Read More on The Sun
      But with the FA insisting Kane will wear the armband, there was support from Germany’s camp.
      Their FA president Bernd Neuendorf said yesterday: “We will play with it — and tomorrow England, Wales and the Netherlands will play with it.”
      Kane, 29, added: ‘We have made it clear as a team and an organisation that we want to wear the armband’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Where the Baden-Baden WAGs are now… including model who’s rebranded as a home organising expert & I’m A Celeb star

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      With the World Cup kicking off in Qatar tonight, a new set of glamorous wives and girlfriends have flown out to support their men.But in recent years, the England team has been given much stricter rules for their spouses to abide by, so it’s unlikely we will see the levels of partying witnessed at the infamous 2006 tournament in Baden-Baden, Germany – when the WAGs went wild.
      It’s unlikely we will see the levels of partying witnessed at the infamous 2006 tournament in Baden-Baden, Germany – when the WAGs went wildCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Cheryl Tweedy, Coleen McLoughlin and Victoria Beckham in the stands ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2006Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Their outrageous tales of drugs, dancing on tables and sky-high hotel bills rocked the quiet resort town and arguably made more headlines than the Three Lions’ performance on the pitch – they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
      Victoria Beckham was often pictured sitting next to Girls Aloud’s Cheryl, who married Ashley Cole a few weeks later.
      Coleen Rooney was 20 at the time and yet to tie the knot with Wayne.
      Already famed for her love of fashion, she was rumoured to be among the group who racked up a £57k bill after an hour of retail therapy.
      READ MORE ON WAGS
      It was so eventful, in fact, that the presence of wives and girlfriends was heavily restricted at the 2010 World Cup. 
      But Victoria, Cheryl and Coleen aside, what became of the other women?
      We take a look at the WAG class of 2006…
      Most read in The Sun
      Alex Curran, 40
      Alex Curran and Steven Gerrard started dating in 2002Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      The pair married the following summer and are now parents to three daughters and a sonCredit: Getty
      Husband: Steven Gerrard
      Then Alex had been dating Steven for four years prior to the World Cup, and was one of the WAGs to put her credit card to good use.
      She’s said to have run up a £25k hotel bill, which included 60 bottles of £75 pink champers.
      Now She and Steven married the following summer and are now parents to three daughters and a son, Lilly-Ella, 18, Lexie, 16, Lourdes, 11, and Lio, five.
      In 2015, they relocated to the US after Steven signed an 18-month deal with LA Galaxy.
      But after getting homesick, they returned to the UK the following year, and Steven has just been sacked as manager of Aston Villa.
      Carly Zucker, 38
      I’m A Celebrity! star Carly married Joe Cole in 2009 the year after she appeared on the showCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Her outfits were said to have enraged Victoria Beckham, who reportedly felt she was stealing all the attentionCredit: Getty
      Husband: Joe Cole
      Then She became best known for taking early-morning runs past the paparazzi in skimpy cropped tops.
      Her outfits were said to have enraged Posh, who reportedly felt she was stealing all the attention. 
      Now Carly starred on I’m A Celebrity! in 2008, but was the third person to be voted off.
      She married Joe the following year and they had children Ruby, 12, Harry, 10, and Max, seven.
      Following Joe’s retirement from football in 2018, the pair have both stayed out of the limelight.
      Michaela Henderson-Thynne, 36
      After her separation from Stewart Downing, mother-of-two Michaela lives a life out of the public eyeCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Stewart Downing
      Then She sang karaoke about her man at Garibaldi’s nightclub and loved the designer shopping.
      She admitted to having “a thing for expensive handbags”.
      Now Michaela went on to star in ITV2 show WAGs Boutique in 2007, where she tearfully announced to fellow WAGs: “Unfortunately, after four years together, we have separated. But we are still friends.”
      No longer in the public eye, she is a mum to two children.
      Elen Rivas, 47
      Elen and Frank separated in 2008 but have daughter Isla
      Spanish model Elen started dating Frank Lampard in 2002 before splitting in 2008Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Frank Lampard
      The then Spanish model began dating Frank in 2002 and welcomed their daughter Luna in 2005.
      She made a name for herself in Baden-Baden after belting out Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive while standing on a table.
      Now Elen and Frank went on to have daughter Isla, but the couple split in 2008.
      The footballer is now married to TV presenter Christine Lampard, while Elen has been dating businessman Dino Costas since 2017 and  runs her own home-organisation business, La Organiser.
       Toni Poole, 41
      Toni stood by husband John Terry after rumours of his affair with his teammate’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Husband: John Terry
      Then Officially the most forgiving woman in Britain, Toni stood by John after rumours of his affair with his teammate’s ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel, emerged in 2010, which cost him the England captaincy.
      Now Toni has twins, Summer and Georgie, 16, with John.
      She enjoys horse riding and has published a fitness and healthy lifestyle book.
      Lisa Roughead, 35
      Childhood sweethearts Michael Carrick and Lisa seek to maintain low profilesCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Nowadays Lisa is a Pilates teacher with a business degreeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Husband: Michael Carrick
      Then The “quiet one” known to go a bit wild when she’d had a drink, there were rumours she’d snogged Carly Zucker after an alcohol-fuelled night out.
      Now Nowadays she’s a Pilates teacher with a business degree.
      Lisa maintains a low profile, but is still a constant support for Michael after they met in secondary school.
      Abbey Clancy, 36
      Abbey has carved out a successful TV and modelling career, since her and Peter’s marriage in 2011Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Husband: Peter Crouch
      Then Just months into their relationship, Abbey flew out to support Peter.
      But she was soon sent home in shame after old photos of her taking cocaine resurfaced.
      Peter tried to distance himself from the drama and dumped her.
      Now Abbey and Peter reconciled and married in 2011, welcoming daughter Sophia that same year.
      They went on to have Liberty, seven, Johnny, four, and Jack, three.
      Abbey has also carved out a successful TV and modelling career. 
      Vanessa Perroncel, 46
      Vanessa split with partner Wayne Bridge after accusations of an affair with John TerryCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Wayne Bridge
      Then Pregnant with son Jaydon at the time, Vanessa kept a low profile throughout the tournament.
      Now All hell broke loose when Vanessa and Wayne split in 2009, and she was accused of having an affair with John Terry – which she denied.
      Read More on The Sun
      Wayne’s now married to Frankie Bridge and the pair have two sons.
      Vanessa was briefly linked to Cheryl’s second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. More

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      England’s Wags to fly into Qatar tomorrow after throwing World Cup themed bash tonight

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      ENGLAND’S team of Wags fly into Qatar today – after throwing a World Cup themed party at home.They are due to touch down in Doha tonight ahead of the Three Lions’ opening match against Iran on Monday.
      A source said Wags, including Fern Maguire, would be driven around in Mercedes and Rolls-Royces in DohaCredit: Instagram
      Glamorous Sasha Attwood is among the Wags following a professional stylist on social mediaCredit: Louis Wood
      The party tonight marks their last boozy get-together before arriving in the strict Islamic nationCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      And they’ve been offered a separate room on a luxury cruise ship to use as a walk-in wardrobe as their cabins are not big enough for all their clothes, shoes and handbags.
      The glamorous set are so confident their men can go all the way they packed their cases to the brim.
      Some of them even hired a personal stylist to help them cover up in the strict Islamic nation.
      Anouska Santos, Luke Shaw’s partner, John Stones’s pregnant girlfriend Olivia Naylor and Marcus Rashford’s fiancée Lucia Loi all sought help from Connie Jones.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      She kitted them out with designer clothing, make-up and jewellery after low-cut tops, skimpy tight shorts and revealing skirts were banned.
      The Wags will board the MSC World Europa, a £1billion luxury cruise liner, where they will stay during the tournament.
      Sources say they plan to “bunk down” in shared cabins for “safety in numbers” amid security fears.
      But the cabins are far too small to house the volume of clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories they are taking.
      Most read in The Sun
      A separate hold room has since been made available for them to use as a ‘walk-in wardrobe’ whilst they are there.
      A source said: “They’re not travelling lightly, that’s for sure.
      “And they intend to do some shopping when they arrive, so the extra space is going to come in handy.
      “They’ve got a company on hire that will provide a luxury chauffeur 24/7 and personal assistants.
      “Personal shoppers will also be on hand once they arrive to tend to all of their retail needs.
      “They’ll also have a team of beauticians and hairdressers on standby to get them glammed up before hitting the city’s shops.”
      The source said the Wags, including Fern Maguire, Megan Pickford, Kyle Walker’s Annie Kilner and Jack Grealish’s Sasha Attwood, would be driven around Doha in high-end Mercedes, Rolls Royces and Bentleys.
      And some of them have even booked an open ticket home – in the hope England can make it to the final on December 18.
      The Wags kicked-off the celebrations early last night with a footie themed dinner party at one of their homes – before heading to the airport.
      A Michelin-starred chef catered for the send-off with national dishes from all over the world.
      They had champagne, balloons and banners.
      But once they arrive in Doha they will be under strict instructions to keep the boozing to an absolute minimum.
      And they will be closely guarded by a team of private security guards – believed to be paid for by their multi-millionaire footie loves.
      They will be joined in Qatar by players’ family members who are expected to stay at the five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
      Coaches will be laid on to ferry them to the Khalifa International Stadium for tomorrow’s group opener.
      But as England progress through the tournament some of the Wags have eyed up a £40,000-a-night stay at the Ritz Carlton’s five-star Sharq Village and Spa.
      Up to 10 of them are looking to share the cost of the luxurious Royal Villa which boasts ocean views, a chef’s kitchen and 24-hour butler service.
      Various spa treatments on offer include a £170 stress relief massage – should England be taken to penalties – and a £400 facial to ease any tension.
      The Wags also want a day at the races cheering on camels.
      And a trip to Pearl Island is also on the cards – with endless boutique shops selling luxury clothes, handbags and jewellery.
      But they have been warned to be on their best behaviour.
      They sat through a presentation spelling out the dos and don’ts by the Football Association in September ahead of England’s 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany.
      They were told to respect the rules and warned: “You are not above the law”.
      The Wags must “dress modestly” in public and at stadiums and are not allowed to engage in any public displays of affection.
      Some were so worried they hired Connie Jones, who runs the Connie Personal Shopping Company, to tailor their outfits.
      One source said: “Connie leaves nothing to chance and has examined their itinerary and desired outfits which will fit into situations such as visits to restaurants or even when they are in the gym.
      “She is highly trusted and thought of by the women and has contacts to source the latest fashions and clothing so that the women look the best.
      “This World Cup is very different from the last one in Russia four years ago where the players wives and girlfriends could show off their bodies and figures in items such as denim shorts and skimpy tops.
      “The women know that they are going to be photographed wherever they go and they understand that it helps them on their social media profiles so they have to look the best.
      “The last thing they want is to offend anybody in Qatar. They have a lot of self-respect and want to show the same respect to the people there but at the same time enjoy themselves.
      “What we are going to see at this World Cup is a new style of WAG. They are going to look amazing everywhere they go.”
      Connie has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram and they include Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Kalvin Phillips’ girlfriend Ashleigh Behan and Declan Rice’s partner Lauren Fryer.
      They must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during the call to prayer.
      Littering, which is illegal in Qatar and punishable by a fine of up to £6,000 and a year in prison, is also forbidden.
      Read More on The Sun
      And they were warned taking selfies outside government buildings was strictly off limits – and likely to lead to police action.
      The presentation ended with the words: “With that said, do have fun!” More

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      Psychic camel Camilla picks England for victory in World Cup match with Iran

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      IT’S cam-ing home!The Iranian footie team are bound to have the hump after Camilla the psychic camel predicted a decisive win for the Three Lions.
      Camilla’s owners Jenny and Vernon insist she’s never wrongCredit: Paul Tonge
      The Sun on Sunday tasked ‘Mystic Millie’ with predicting the winner of tomorrow’s England vs Iran match.
      She walked straight over to the St George’s Cross without hesitating – making Gareth Southgate’s team the one to beat.
      Her estate agent owners Jenny and Vernon Moore, both 52, from Melton Mowbray, Leics, insist she’s “never wrong”.
      Vernon said: “It’s the best possible omen for Gareth and the boys. Getting past the group stage is in the bag.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      “We asked her to choose between our and our opponents’ flags placed on easels a few yards in front of her and she marched straight up to the St George’s cross every time.”
      Camels hold a special status in the World Cup host city of Qatar, where they are bred for the hugely popular sport of camel racing.
      But unfortunately for the home nation, Camilla believes Ecuador will win the first match of the tournament tomorrow night.
      Jenny said: “Camilla is very strong willed and always seems to know when it’s food time so we have absolute faith in her ability to predict World Cup results.”
      Most read in The Sun More

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      Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigation in bid to save World Cup place

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      PREMIER League ace Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigation – in a bid to save his World Cup place.The Brentford striker hired lawyers who threatened to injunct us over our exclusive story that he was being probed over alleged breaches of betting rules.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigationCredit: Shutterstock
      He hired lawyers who threatened to injunct us over our exclusive story that he was being probed over alleged breaches of betting rulesCredit: Getty
      And his legal team even claimed our report would hit England’s chances of winning the World Cup.
      The letter was sent just a fortnight before Toney was charged with 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
      They argued: “The publication of the Article will not only inevitably have an unwarranted, unfair and adverse impact upon our client’s prospects of being selected for the squad, it will also cause disruption for the England manager, the national team and The Football Association at a time when all focus should be on selection of the best squad to give the England national team the best possible opportunity of winning the World Cup.”
      Toney then asked for a “written undertaking that no story of the alleged nature of the Article will be published”.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      The Sun on Sunday indicated that it was prepared to fight the injunction threat and Toney’s team backed down.
      If Toney, valued at £50 million, is found guilty he faces a lengthy ban.
      Leading barrister Gavin Millar KC, praised The Sun on Sunday, saying: said: “It was a very important story indeed for The Sun on Sunday to run and resist the injunction arguments.
      “This was not just about Ivan Toney, it was about the England squad – the most important squad story you can get.
      Most read in The Sun
      “That means the public interest in the story being run in a balanced way was very, very strong indeed.
      “Public figures like this should not be threatening papers like The Sun on Sunday.
      “It’s great to see there are still editors out there with the courage of their convictions.”
      Toney was left out of England’s World Cup squad but the FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said last week they did not tell Southgate to do that. More

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      Harry Kane defies last-ditch bid by World Cup chiefs to stop him wearing rainbow ‘One Love’ armband

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      HARRY Kane today defied a last-ditch bid by World Cup chiefs to stop him wearing a rainbow “One Love” armband.His team-mate Eric Dier also became the first England player to speak out on Qatar controversies, calling stadium worker deaths “terrible”.
      Harry Kane will continue to wear the One Love armband over the alternative Fifa suggested at the last minuteCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane has worn the rainbow armband for the past two England games to ‘send a message against discrimination’Credit: Getty
      Fifa’s rattled chief Gianni Infantino had earlier launched into a bizarre defence of the World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow afternoon after a succession of cock-ups.
      Three Lions captain Kane will sport its anti-discrimination armband when England play Iran tomorrow after the FA rejected a late Fifa alternative yesterday.
      In its latest startling move, Fifa chiefs unveiled its own “approved” armbands including one emblazoned with: “NoDiscrimination.”
      But the FA hit back: “We respect the Fifa armband but are committed to the One Love armband and intend to wear it.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Kane, 29, has worn the rainbow band for the past two England games “to send a message against discrimination of any kind”.
      It promotes gay rights but is not directly aimed at anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Qatar, where being gay can still be punished by death.
      A Three Lions source said last night: “Fifa will be furious but we have no intention of changing course now – particularly when the alternative is being offered so late in the day.
      “Our message is clear and will remain the same.”
      Most read in The Sun
      The One Love campaign is also being backed by the captains of Holland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales.
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said a request had been sent for permission to wear the armband but Fifa did not respond.
      He went on: “I think there’s a possibility that we might be fined.
      “And if we are, then we’ll pay the fine. We think it’s really important to show our values.”
      Fifa’s alternative will feature a range of slogans for different rounds, including BringTheMoves and FootballUnitesTheWorld.
      Meanwhile, Spurs defender Dier, 28, criticised Qatar’s shameful record on migrant builders after more than 6,500 were reported to have died constructing stadia.
      He said: “A lot of things have happened that are disappointing … what has happened with the building of the stadiums. It is a terrible situation.”
      It came after Fifa supremo Infantino launched into a wild defence of Qatar’s already calamitous tournament.
      Fifa has been slammed for a sudden stadium beer ban, chaotic organisation plus mounting fury over Qatar’s human rights record.
      And Infantino began yesterday by rambling: “Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.”
      Swiss-Italian Infantino – who has now moved to live in Qatar – then accused the West of “hypocrisy” over human rights.
      In an extraordinary tirade which lasted for nearly an hour, Infantino, 52, said: “I am European. For what we have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons.”
      The bald bigwig bizarrely cited his own discrimination experiences after being bullied as a boy for having red hair and freckles.
      He also defended Fifa’s decision in 2010 to let Qatar host the World Cup. He said: “This one-sided moral lesson is just hypocrisy. I wonder why no one recognises the progress made here since 2016.
      “It is not easy to take the critics of a decision that was made 12 years ago. Qatar is ready, it will be the best World Cup ever.”
      He was backed by pop star Robbie Williams who will perform during the World Cup.
      He said: “If we’re not condoning human rights abuses anywhere, then it would be the shortest tour the world has ever known: I wouldn’t even be able to perform in my own kitchen.”
      However Infantino was last night blasted by campaigners.
      Robbie de Santos from gay right group Stonewall said: “LGBTQ+ people in Qatar are criminalised and persecuted for simply existing and cannot compromise who they are.
      Read More on The Sun
      “These comments serve only to trivialise the very real suffering and oppression faced on a daily basis by LGBTQ+ Qataris.”
      Amnesty International said: “If Fifa is to salvage anything from this tournament, it must announce it will invest a significant part of the $6billion it will make to compensate workers and their families.”
      PM SUPPORT FOR 3 LIONSRISHI Sunak has backed Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions to go “all the way” in the World Cup.
      The PM said ahead of Monday’s opening game with Iran: “I know our boys will do us proud and I’ll be cheering them on all the way.”
      Mr Sunak also celebrated the fact Wales are appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1958.
      He said: “To have two home nation teams qualify for the tournament is a big win for the domestic game.” More