The Football Association of Wales says it is “extremely disappointed” that fans were stopped from wearing the hats at yesterday’s World Cup group game against the USA.
The Welsh FA has said it is “extremely disappointed” after fans were told to remove their Rainbow Wall bucket hats ahead of their World Cup match against the USA.
Wales supporters wearing the hats claimed they had them confiscated ahead of their side’s opening match in Qatar last night
Following the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have today said they will be addressing the matter directly with FIFA.
In a statement, the FAW said: “On Monday Cymru returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 64 years, an historic moment for the squad, the valued fans – The Red Wall / Y Wal Goch – and the nation.
“However, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) were extremely disappointed by reports that members of Y Wal Goch, which included FAW staff members, were asked to remove and discard their Rainbow Wall bucket hats before entry to the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. These bucket hats were created in partnership with the FAW.
“The FAW has collated information on these alleged incidents and will be addressing this matter directly with FIFA today (22 November). The FAW will not be releasing any further comment at this stage.”
Last night, LGBTQ+ supporters group Wales’ Rainbow Wall said that while male fans wearing the hats were allowed to keep them, female fans had the items taken from them by officials at the stadium in Qatar before their opening World Cup fixture.
