Speaking in France’s press conference on Sunday following their qualification to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, vice-captain Raphaël Varane told reporters that even if Les Bleus decided not wear the “One Love” armband during the tournament, the players have made their own commitments to human rights causes, as reported by L’Équipe.
Whilst Varane wore the armband in September during France’s match against Austria in the Nations League, they decided to follow FIFA’s directive that the armband shouldn’t be worn at the World Cup. Yet, the Manchester United man defended that decision, by explaining the players’ own engagement to human rights causes which included a letter which laid out plans to take action the Generation 2018 fund.
Varane said “It was a joint decision of the players, we remain active in our role, and we are active” and that “at the beginning of next year there will be concrete action but we need time to put it in place” whilst assuring the press that the players have been in discussion with NGOs and that things are “progressing”.
GFFN | George Boxall
