Harry Kane now won't wear the 'One Love' armband at the World Cup 2022, it's been confirmed.
The star striker and England captain had initially said he'd wear the multi-coloured armband - which is intended to promote inclusivity, campaign against discrimination, and show support to the LGBTQ+ community - at all matches at the tournament in Qatar.
But a statement issued by the Football Associations of several countries intending to participate has announced this morning that it will no longer be the case.
The FA previously said it thinks it's “really important to show our values” during the tournament, The Manc reports.
England captain Harry Kane will no longer wear the ‘One Love’ armband in Qatar / Credit: The FA
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham had told Sky News last week that the association was braced to be punished for Kane's wearing of the armband and will “pay the fine” should it be handed to them - given that it had no response from FIFA prior to this.
FIFA is known for usually prohibiting the addition of unsanctioned slogans on player’s kits during tournaments, and had even recently urged teams at not to indulge in giving morality lessons at the first World Cup in the Middle East.
Now, several countries have backed-down from their original decision to wear the multi-coloured captain's armband over the imposing of sporting sanctions.
The armband is intended to promote inclusivity / Credit: England
A joint statement issued by the Football Associations England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland this morning reads: "FIFA has been very clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field of play.
"As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings.
"So we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games."
As well as England, each of the other teams explained in the statement that they were prepared to "pay fines that would normally apply to breaches of kit regulations", but that they "cannot put our players in the situation where they might be booked or even forced to leave the field of play".
"We are very frustrated by the FIFA decision, which we believe is unprecedented," the statement continued.
"We wrote to FIFA in September informing them of our wish to wear the One Love armband to actively support inclusion in football, and had no response."
Featured Image - England
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Dazzling Christmas light trail Northern Lights will return to Leeds this year
Temple Newsam will be transformed into a brand-new immersive festive story event.
Following a second successful winter, Leeds’ spectacular immersive light show Northern Lights is returning with a brand-new journey.
The Lost Light of Christmas is a narrative driven adventure that will lead visitors around the iconic grounds of Temple Newsam this winter, running from Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December 2026.
With over 100,000 visitors each year, Northern Lights Leeds has been completely reimagined this winter with a showcase of exclusive art installations from some of the UK’s leading light artists.
Image: Supplied
There'll be special effects, interactive elements and bespoke audio compositions all tied together with an illuminating new narrative theme.
Visitors will follow a glowing trail through enchanted forests, along sparkling pathways and around shimmering lagoons with plenty of hidden surprises along the way as you help the fairies on their quest restore the Lost Light of Christmas before it goes out forever.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will host over a dozen illuminations with a curated selection of vintage fairground rides and a variety of classic festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Images: Supplied
Ben Robinson - Director, From The Fields said: “After two incredible years at Temple Newsam we’re thrilled to be reinventing Northern Lights Leeds. The team have excelled themselves with a truly immersive narrative experience unlike anything we’ve ever done before and we think Leeds is going to love The Lost Light of Christmas.
"Having worked with Temple Newsam closely over the past few years, we’re constantly improving the Northern Lights experience in order to make it as inclusive and accessible as we can."
Tickets for The Lost Light of Christmas will go on sale Thursday 2 July with prices starting at £12.00 for children and £17.00 for adults. Get yours here.
A ‘Mini Mall’ full of independent food traders and local brands is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination this summer.
Introducing The Mini Mall, an innovative retail concept designed to create a flagship city-centre destination for local brands, artisan producers and independent food traders.
The new 4,885 sq ft ground-floor space will be completely dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.
Operating as a premium 'satellite department store', The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays.
Image: Supplied
Shoppers can expect a carefully curated selection of Yorkshire-based homeware designers, fashion labels, craft producers, and street food vendors under one roof.
The Mini Mall will open on Saturday 25July with an official public grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live brand showcases, and the full launch of the Mini Food Hall.to meet the makers behind the brands.
Shaz Westfield, founder of Eventszo, said: "The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.
“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship."
Charles Newman, asset management director at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owners of The Merrion Centre, said: "What makes the Merrion Centre different is the breadth and character of our occupier mix. We've always championed businesses that bring something unique to the city centre, creating a destination that offers visitors experiences they won't find elsewhere on the high street."
You can find out more about Leeds' new Mini Mall here.
Emily Sergeant -
21st November 2022 
