World Cup 2022: Welsh dismay and anger at Fifa's OneLove armband stance

Gareth Bale wore the OneLove captain's armband in a Nations League game against Belgium in September 2022

Leading Welsh football figures and organisations have reacted with dismay, anger and disappointment over Fifa's OneLove armband stance at the World Cup in Qatar.

Fifa threatened bookings for any players who wear the armbands.

Wales' Gareth Bale was among a group of European national captains who had planned to wear the armband to promote diversity and inclusion.

"We're frustrated. We're disappointed," said the Football Association of Wales.

"But we remain with the belief that football is for everyone and stand with our LGBTQ+ members of the Welsh football family.

"Mae pêl-droed i bawb [football is for everyone]."

In the build up to Wales' first appearance at the global showpiece since 1958, Wales manager Robert Page had insisted Bale would wear a OneLove armband in Qatar.

"It's vital that's the message we want to portray, that's what we believe in, that's what we stand up for we won't change our beliefs," said Page at the time.

"Irrespective of Fifa, it's what we believe in, it's what we stand for and we will be wearing that armband."

Pressed on if Bale would categorically don the armband, Page replied: "Yes, absolutely. That's the stance we make, it's from the staff, it's from the Association, we are not going to change our beliefs so that's the right thing to do... we are strong in our beliefs in that.

"Whoever the captain is will be wearing the armband."

However, in the wake of Fifa's threat of bookings, England and Wales will not wear OneLove armbands.

The situation prompted a difference of opinion between two leading Welsh sports figures who are openly gay.

Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock believes the FAW should have stood up to Fifa and backed Bale to wear the armband.

Fishlock told BBC Radio Wales: "Between Fifa and the FAW this should have been dealt with, the armbands should have been worn and upheld our values, and the players should have just gone and played the game.

"Right now it looks like we back down way too easy as an organisation, as an association. We are either in this fight or we are not in this fight, and we are either in it together or not in it together."

However, former leading rugby union referee Nigel Owens said it was not the players' fault and there was reason "to praise the players for wanting to wear the armbands in the first place".

Owens added: "There is only Fifa at fault here for giving Qatar the World Cup in the first place, knowing the issues.

"We also need to accept that this is how things are in Qatar. We may not agree with the way things are there, but we have to accept it.

"I don't agree with it but that's the country's rules.

"We have to look back I think, and ask why did they award the World Cup to a country with these human right laws in the first place. There is no fault on the players here.

"What I think this has done, is give more attention to the situation than perhaps if the players just wore the armbands.

"And I hope good things come of this, as it's highlighted the problems the country has - problems that Fifa haven't dealt with already."

Owens was asked if he would have liked the FAW to ignore Fifa and stand up for what they believe?

He replied: "No to be fair to Gareth Bale - unless every country and every captain does the same, or at least most countries stay united you can't do anything… it's Fifa's fault not FAW and not Gareth Bale and we need to now focus on the game tonight, and support the captain, and support Wales and I hope they go out there and win the game tonight."

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Wales' record goalscorer Helen Ward suggested, if she was involved, she would be "very tempted" to test Fifa's resolve in Qatar, where homosexuality is a criminal offence.

"I don't think we should be making the players feel guilty for being there and taking part... yes there will be more World Cups, but it doesn't necessarily mean there will be more World Cups for those involved.

"It could be a once in a lifetime moment, it's their job, it's what they've done all their lives to get to this point. It's the pinnacle of so many players careers and yes they do have a responsibility as people of high standing in society.

"But also the responsibility of their countries and what their government's do - that shouldn't rest in their shoulders."

Ward added: "I'd be very tempted [to wear the armband]. It depends on the type of player you are I suppose.

"As someone who doesn't tend to get booked very often, I'd probably chance my arm that I wouldn't get another booking in the game. It would make a huge stand if they did decide 'you know what, I'm going to do it and take a booking anyway'.

"But obviously the nations have come to an agreement that the stance they are taking shouldn't affect their play and I do understand that stance as well because it is interfering with the game itself."

Former Wales strikers Iwan Roberts and Nathan Blake joined the chorus of disapproval of Fifa's move on the day England and Wales kicked off their campaigns.

"So much for freedom of speech, it doesn't count for this part of the world," said Roberts.

"It's an impossible situation for Gareth [Bale] in my opinion. He'd damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

"You wouldn't want Gareth to pick up a yellow card for wearing the armband and then picking one up in the second game against Iran and possibly missing the England game.

"I think it's just poor from Fifa. They're trying everything not to fall out with the host country.

"Had the majority of captains from all the countries decided to wear the armband and go with whatever punishment then possibly that would have been a solution and a way of getting the message across.

"But it's not to be sadly."

Blake said: "I think they should wear it and if not then there are others who could wear it, managers could wear it, substitutes could wear it and if they have to take it off before going on to the pitch whatever, there are leaders from both countries here they could wear it as a show of solidarity.

"I don't like the way it has been put simply to the players. It's either we are all in this or we are not. Once you start to faction people, those who are trying to stop you wearing it, they win automatically.

"It's a situation that shouldn't just be down to the players again to have to show what we believe is right. If someone else doesn't and you're in another person's country I understand that, but we are at a football tournament and I should be within my right to be able to wear it without hurting anybody."

Blake added he does not think there should be disciplinary action for those wearing the armband.

"The only disciplinary action can come from Fifa and Fifa should be strong enough," he added.

"If you want to make it political, fine - but like I said before, politics is part of everyday life.

"I'm just disappointed - that's all I can say, disappointed that people aren't strong enough to be able to say: 'This is my belief, this is the way I am, this is me, I'm not hurting anybody and this is what I think of the situation.'

"Regardless of if you're in anyone else's country, you respect their laws, you respect their wishes, but at the same time change takes bravery to stand up and be counted.

"Some people talk the talk but don't always walk the walk, it's as simple as that."

There was also reaction on social media from within Welsh football: