US Soccer to display rainbow crest at World Cup in Qatar
Luke Gentile
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U.S. Soccer’s men’s national team announced Monday that it would display a rainbow crest when they compete in the World Cup in Qatar.
The team crest is traditionally a shield inspired by the American flag, but this rainbow crest will see the red stripes replaced with multicolored ones.
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The decision comes in the wake of international outcry relating to the human rights concerns inside the Gulf nation, including the conditions of migrant workers and laws against homosexuality, according to a report.
“When we are on the world stage and when we are in a venue like Qatar, it is important to bring awareness to these issues and that is what ‘Be the Change’ is about,” head coach Gregg Berhalter said.
“Be the Change” is a larger campaign that began after the 2020 death of George Floyd, the report noted.
The rainbow crest will not feature on the team uniforms, but rather in team-controlled areas such as fan gatherings.
“As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe,” U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe said.
Meanwhile, England, Germany, and the Netherlands plan to wear rainbow armbands, Denmark will be wearing black jerseys to mourn migrant workers, and Australian players produced a video message echoing the Danes’ sentiment.
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The United States did announce that it would invite migrant workers to a training session.
The first match of the World Cup is on Sunday, while the United States opens up against Wales on Monday.