The Belgium National Team’s World Cup kit sparks controversy in Qatar

As the world turns its attention to the World Cup taking place in Qatar, the country’s strict rules on symbols and traditions are causing a stir among participating teams. The Belgium National Team’s kit, designed in collaboration with Tomorrowland, has fallen victim to these regulations. The kit features a white jersey with rainbow accents and the word “LOVE” along with the festival’s logo.

However, Qatar’s rule against displays that support progressive ideals such as the LGBTQ+ community, has led FIFA to bar the team from wearing the kit. The team captain had already abandoned plans to wear One Love rainbow armbands due to fears of reprisal, and now Belgium has been told by FIFA to remove the word “LOVE” and the rainbow logo. In response, Belgium has chosen to wear their red kit during the group stage, but officials are pushing for the ability to wear the Tomorrowland LOVE kit in later stages of the competition.

The controversy surrounding the kit is part of a long list of potential human rights violations and strict enforcement of government mandates during the tournament.