The FA has said it will pay any possible fine it’s hit with over Harry Kane wearing the ‘One Love’ armband at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Star striker and England captain Kane is set to wear a multi-coloured armband – which is intended to promote inclusivity, campaign against discrimination, and show support to the LGBTQ+ community – once football’s flagship international tournament kicks-off this Sunday.
He is one of several national team captains expected to wear the armband – along with Wales, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, and Switzerland.
But due to the World Cup host country’s anti-LGBTQ+ views, and with homosexuality illegal in Qatar under Islamic Sharia law, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has told Sky News that they are braced to be punished and will “pay the fine” should it be handed to them.
It comes after the FA sent a request to wear the armband at the tournament two months ago, but, in an interview at the England training camp in Qatar this week, Mr Bullingham revealed that FIFA still “haven’t given us any response”.
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While the armband does not directly referencing anti-LGBT laws, as mentioned, it is intended to promote inclusivity, and FIFA is known for usually prohibiting the addition of unsanctioned slogans on player’s kits during tournaments.
The body even recently urged teams at not to indulge in giving morality lessons at the first World Cup in the Middle East.
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Yet the FA is determined to “show our values”.
England captain Harry Kane will wear the ‘One Love’ armband in Qatar / Credit: The FA
Speaking to Sky News, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham explained: “[FIFA] haven’t given us any response to our letter. 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… and that’s what we’ll be doing.”
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The FA says it has had assurances LGBTQ+ fans would be safe to attend the World Cup, and would not discriminated against by Qatari authorities, yet Mr Bullingham says it’s saddening to hear that some have decided against making the trip.
“It’s sad for us that quite a few of our LGBTQ fans have decided not to come,” he said.
“I know a lot of our Three Lions Pride members are not coming, and that was frustrating because they didn’t get the information they wanted in time to make their arrangements.”
As well as showing support with the ‘One Love’ armband, the FA says it will use its presence in Qatar to pursue more compensation for families of low-paid workers and help to establish a permanent migrant worker centre – with Mr Bullingham saying he believes there has been “really positive progress” with what’s been achieved over the last four years.
He concluded: “What’s critical for us though, is these last two outstanding issues should be brought through, and we’ll be putting a lot of pressure on FIFA, together with a bunch of other European countries to do that.”
The Three Lions’ first game against Iran is on 21 November, with their second group game against the USA taking place on 25 November.
The final clash of the group stage coming against Wales on 29 November.
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AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Salford City FC have been bought out by a new consortium
Danny Jones
Another era beckons for Salford City as a buyout of the Greater Manchester football club by a new consortiumhas been announced.
Well, sort of.
Salford City FC were famously the subject of a joint takeover by Singaporean businessman Peter Lim and members of Manchester United’s Class of ’92 over a decade ago, and now 11 years on from that last milestone moment in their history, the local side has a new administration once again.
It is a fresh chapter for the club, but supporters will be glad to hear that there will also be some continuity and key throughline of consistency among some of those at the top.
Salford City announces that the Club has been acquired by a new ownership group led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, and includes US-based businessman Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies who will both serve as new Co-Chairs of the Club’s board.
Led by Man United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham, who have been involved with Salford since 2014, the new nine-member consortium consists of the Dream Sports Group – a leading sports technology company based in India – along with a number of other key figures.
One of those is Lord Mervyn Davies, a former Labour MP and Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small Business, who still serves as a trade envoy between the UK and Sri Lanka.
Another is Irish-American entrepreneur Declan Kelly, who is Chairman and CEO of The Consello Group, a global advisory and investing firm.
While the previous co-owners and fellow Class of ’92 United graduates are no longer shareholders at Moor Lane, it is said they will still play important roles at the club.
As the official statement reads, “The acquisition includes a commitment by the new shareholders to invest significantly in the Club, the team and its facilities”, meaning there will funds will likely be sweet aside not only for some healthy transfer business but more updates to the Peninsula Stadium.
Commenting on the announcement, Neville said: “I’m passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football.
“Football will come first, however, it’s critical that we drive the Club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can’t wait for the next part of this journey.”
Meanwhile, Beckham went on to add in the excitable Instagram post seen above: “Salford played such an important role in my life growing up… It’s where I trained with United alongside my best mates every day, it’s where I bought my first house and where me and Victoria lived.
“I’m so proud to be part of a new ownership group alongside my mate [Neville] as we begin the next chapter of Salford’s journey. Football is at the heart of this community and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Ammies.
Emily Sergeant -
18th November 2022 
