KNVB launches new OneLove campaign, including much-discussed captain’s armband
NOS Football–
The KNVB has announced that captains of clubs in the premier league and first division will play with the OneLove band on the weekend of March 17-19. Like last season, the OneLove campaign is being run around the International Day Against Racism and Discrimination.
The KNVB wants to extend the OneLove campaign to amateur and school soccer. Amateur clubs will all be sent a flag to hang at the club to show that everyone is welcome. “We noticed that there was a need for that,” says a KNVB spokesperson.
‘The more, the better’
A big fuss arose around the last soccer weekend in October when captains played with the OneLove band. At the time, the action was held around coming-out day. At the time, captains Orkun Kökçü (Feyenoord) and Redouan El Yaakoubi (Excelsior) refused to wear the band.
“It is someone’s right if he does not participate,” the KNVB spokesman said. “The goal is not for every captain to wear the band. But the more, the better.” The action is also planned again for the upcoming coming-out day on Oct. 11.
The Dutch, along with some other countries, also wanted to play with the OneLove band during the World Cup late last year, but it was not allowed by FIFA.
