Minister hits out at Fifa for rainbow row

WALES’ economy minister yesterday insisted there is still “every chance” the country’s team will qualify for the next round of the World Cup, as he blasted Fifa for their actions during the tournament.

Vaughan Gething, who is in Qatar to represent the Welsh Government at today’s match against England, said supporters would be “proud of our players regardless of the result”.

But he expressed “disappointment” at the issues fans wearing rainbow bucket hats faced while trying to enter stadiums on game days.

“Of course it was disappointing because in meeting the Supreme Committee, the organising committee, they said everyone was welcome,” Mr Gething said.

“Fifa also said this was a World Cup for everyone.

“But the way Fifa have acted during the tournament by making last-minute changes to the rules of engagement – such as saying no alcohol in the stadium and the armband issue.

“The fact Fifa went to the England hotel on the morning of the game day to say your captain will get a yellow card in the tunnel if you wear it is an extraordinary thing to have done – and not in a good way.

“Fifa really needs to decide whether they are serious about football being for everyone and if they are serious about living up to the way they say they want people around the game to behave.”

Laura McAllister, former Wales captain, was among those prevented from entering the stadium wearing her rainbow coloured bucked hat during Wales’ first match against the USA, but said she was allowed through with no issues during the Iran game.

The UK’s sports minister Stuart Andrew is also in Doha and announced he plans to wear the rainbow-coloured armband, prohibited by Fifa, when he attends the home nations’ clash.

The Conservative frontbencher, who is gay, said it was “really unfair” that football’s governing body prevented the captains of England and Wales donning the One Love antidiscrimination armband at the 11th hour.

In response to the news Mr Andrew would wear the armband - a move that risks upsetting his Qatari hosts - Mr Gething said: “Stuart Andrew needs to make his own choices, and he’s in a different position – this is very personal for him – and I understand that.”

The Welsh minister was speaking from an event in Doha yesterday while wearing a rainbow flag badge.

It is understood Mr Gething may also wear the badge at today’s match.