The American men’s football team has redesigned its logo in support of LGBTQ+ rights ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
Rainbow colours are replacing the traditional red, white and blue on the logo in honour of LGBTQ+ players and fans attending the games.
A spokesperson for the US team explained it would be in place at every location managed by the American football team, the Daily Mail reported.
“To ensure we foster a community of belonging that is welcoming and supportive to all,” they said in a statement.
This is despite a FIFA declaration that teams competing should “focus on football” rather than “moral lessons” to other countries. Similarly, the Danish team’s request to wear shirts with the slogan “human rights for all” has been rejected by the governing body.
Human rights and LGBTQ+ safety are particularly relevant issues at the Qatar World Cup, as LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalised in the country, with punishment including imprisonment and sometimes the death penalty. The decision to host the World Cup there has been criticised by a range of human rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates.
The Qatar World Cup takes place 20 November – 18 December.
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