USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter says ‘it’s important to raise awareness of social issues’ at World Cup with new rainbow crest amid criticism over attitudes towards LGBTQ fans in Qatar
United States head coach Gregg Berhalter spoke about the importance of the nation changing its crest to include the rainbow flag at the Qatar World Cup.
The United States made a statement at the flagship tournament by redesigning their crest with rainbow colors to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community on Monday.
The United States Soccer Federation, which normally uses a crest with blue lettering and red stripes, changed the stripes to seven different colors at the Al Gharrafa training center – the team’s base for the competition.
Qatar has been criticized for its attitude towards LGBTQ fans ahead of the World Cup, which begins on Sunday.
“When we’re on the world stage and we’re in a place like Qatar, it’s important to raise awareness about these issues already,” Berhalter said Monday.
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter spoke about the new national crest at the World Cup
“And that’s what it’s all about, it’s not just in the United States that we want to bring attention to social issues, it’s also overseas.” And we recognize that Qatar has made progress, there has been a ton of progress, but there is still work to be done.
“And it’s pretty much about Be the Change basically representing everyone’s individual opportunity to make change or start the change with them. So I think it’s appropriate that we have it here as well.
The national federation said the rainbow crest will not be worn on the pitch but will be used in areas of Qatar it controls, such as fan parties.
Footage of the team base, where Team USA trained on Monday, showed a huge American crest on the wall, alongside the slogan “One Nation”.
Before the change the flag stripes were all red – but now they are rainbow colors
“It’s a sign of our values and what we stand for as the Men’s National Team and American Football, and we are a group that believes in inclusiveness and we will continue to project that message into the future,” American goalkeeper Sean Johnson added on Monday.
Neil Buethe, USMNT director of communications, told DailyMail.com: “Our rainbow badge plays an important and consistent role in the identity of American football.”
“As part of our approach to any game or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusion and welcome for all fans around the world. .
A huge American crest on the wall, next to the slogan ‘One Nation’, appeared at the United States training base
“As a result, the venues we will manage and operate during the FIFA World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional US Soccer branding and arch- in sky.”
Last spring, the United States wore rainbow number jerseys for Pride Month and wore orange armbands to raise awareness of gun violence.
In the run-up to the upcoming World Cup, many players have raised concerns about the rights of fans traveling to the event, especially LGBT+ people and women, which rights groups say Qatari laws are discriminatory.
Qatar is the first country in the Middle East to host the World Cup, but the tiny nation has come under intense pressure in recent years over its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws.
The country’s human rights record has led to calls on teams and officials to boycott the tournament from November 20 to December 18.
The USMNT are currently preparing for their Group B opener against Wales next Monday with players arriving at their headquarters in Doha after club action has ended.
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