FIFA Bans Crusades Cosplayers From World Cup Games

The Daily Beast reports:

English soccer fans have been banned from dressing up as knights in shining armor ahead of Friday’s World Cup match against the U.S. in Qatar because the outfits are considered offensive to Muslims.

British supporters have dressed up as St. George—the patron saint of England—at international sports tournaments for at least two decades.

But international soccer governing body FIFA says the chainmail costumes are inappropriate in the Islamic host nation of this year’s World Cup because they invoke 1,000-year-old holy wars between Christians and Muslims.

Read the full article.

“Crusader costumes in the Arab context can be offensive against Muslims,” FIFA said in a statement, the Times reports. “That is why anti-discrimination colleagues asked fans to wear things inside out or change dress.” https://t.co/HATK9yvzep

— The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) November 25, 2022

Qatari authorities have started banning England fans from wearing crusader costumes in stadiums.

The attire, complete with swords and crosses, are offensive due to crusader history of rape, slaughter and occupation of Arab lands.#Qatar #Eng #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/BoL6dnZEjz

— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) November 23, 2022