World Cup 2022: FIFA bans fans from dressing as crusaders at England versus USA match

Al Khor, Qatar - Soccer fans have been barred from dressing as crusaders at England's World Cup clash with the USA in Qatar.

World Cup attendees have been explicitly barred from wearing crusader costumes ahead of Team England's matchup with Team USA.
World Cup attendees have been explicitly barred from wearing crusader costumes ahead of Team England's matchup with Team USA.  © IMAGO / Eibner Europa

Fans dressed in chainmail while carrying plastic swords and shields with the St. George cross have been told they will not be allowed to enter Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha, according to The Times.

The newspaper quoted FIFA as saying: "Crusader costumers in the Arab context can be offensive against Muslims."

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out also advised fans against wearing fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders, which recall the religious wars Christians waged against Muslims during the Middle Ages.

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A spokesperson for the group said: "We would advise fans who are attending FIFA World Cup matches that certain attire, such as fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders, may not be welcomed in Qatar and other Islamic countries."

"Foreign Office travel advice issued before the tournament expressed that fans should familiarize themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach."

Supporters in crusader costumes denied entry during World Cup

Soccer fans clad in chainmail with plastic swords and shields with the St. George cross will be turned away from Qatari stadiums.
Soccer fans clad in chainmail with plastic swords and shields with the St. George cross will be turned away from Qatari stadiums.  © IMAGO / Sven Simon

A video shared on Twitter showed two fans clad in crusader costumes seemingly being turned away from entry to a Qatari stadium by security staff.

It comes after FIFA gave the go-ahead for rainbow-colored bucket hats and flags inside the stadium as England and Wales prepare for their second games at the tournament.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) said the governing body has confirmed fans will be allowed to enter with the items for the clash with Iran after they confiscated them ahead of Wales' 1-1 draw with the USA.

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The FAW urged FIFA to stick to their message that "everybody will be welcome" in Qatar during the tournament after the first week was marred by its handling of LGBTQ+ symbols.

England will look to build on their 6-2 win against Iran when they travel to Al Bayt Stadium, but Team USA is hoping they can secure a surprise win despite their underdog status.

Temperatures could be around 77 degrees Fahrenheit when the game kicks off Friday at 2:00 PM EST.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / Eibner Europa & IMAGO / Action Plus

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