Belgium Forced To Change World Cup Kit Just Two Days Before Opening Game As FIFA Rejects Design Due To Word ‘LOVE’ Being In The Collar
The design of the shirt, which includes a rainbow-colored trim, was inspired by the fireworks of Belgian’s famous music festival Tomorrow land and stands for diversity, equality, and exclusivity.
However, Belgium spokesperson Stefan Van Loock said FIFA was rejecting the shirt not because of the colours, which are typically linked to LGBTQ+, but because of the commercial link to Tomorrow land.
The festival’s logo is incorporated in the ‘o’ of ‘Love’.
Belgium’s warm-up shirt was also rejected by FIFA because of its references to Tomorrow land, he said.
FIFA is allowing Belgium to play with the away shirts if the word ‘Love’ on the etiquette is taped over but Van Loock said the Red Devils will play the first three games in their main red shirt regardless.
The rejection comes after FIFA threatened to issue yellow cards to any player wearing the multi-coloured ‘OneLove’ armband which was introduced to support diversity and inclusion.
The Belgian Football Association said earlier on Monday that its captain Eden Hazard will not play wearing the armband.
