- “We can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings, so we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games,” the statement said.
- “We were prepared to pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations and had a strong commitment to wearing the armband,” it added. “However, we cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play.”
- “We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision which we believe is unprecedented,” the joint statement continued. “Our players and coaches are disappointed – they are strong supporters of inclusion and will show support in other ways.”
