Speaking ahead of their match with Canada to open the World Cup, Thomas Meunier spoke on the issue of the armband and the punishment FIFA will impose on captains. As reported by Voetbalkrant, the Borussia Dortmund defender said “Everything is decided at the last minute. It’s a smart move by FIFA. People are already here and can’t leave”.
FIFA have said they will book captains who wear the one love armband, with it now being replaced by their no discrimination armband, which does not have the rainbow flag present.
This has become another one of many controversies around the World Cup, including the removal of selling beer around stadiums being announced just days before the opening game of the tournament.
Belgium face World Cup debutants Canada on the 23rd of November, before facing North Africa’s Morocco and 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia. The side will have to do without record goal scorer Romelu Lukaku for the first two group games. The Red Devils are hopeful that he will be able to feature in the final group games against Croatia.
