Yellow threat: Netherlands waives “One Love” captain’s armband

Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk will not wear the “One Love” armband at the World Cup. This was announced by the KNVB association. Decisive for the decision was an official threat from the world governing body FIFA that any player running with the bandage would be punished with a yellow card.

“The fact that FIFA wants to punish us on the pitch is unique and goes against the spirit of sport, which unites millions,” said the KNVB. “We stand by the ‘One Love’ message and will continue to spread it, but our number one priority is to win games. You don’t want the captain to start the game with a yellow card.”

Van Dijk had already announced the day before that he might not want to take the risk of a yellow card for wearing the bandage. The KNVB regretted that no joint solution had been found. They will take a “critical look at our relationship with FIFA” in the coming months.

Elftal goes into their first game of the World Cup in Qatar with debutant Andries Noppert in goal. The 28-year-old from SC Heerenveen is given preference over Justin Bijlow and Remko Pasveer by Bonds coach Louis van Gaal. Van Gaal had kept a secret about his choice of goalkeeper until the very end. In central defence, Bayern professional Matthijs de Ligt came as a surprise in the starting XI. In addition to Frenkie de Jong, Steven Berghuis is expected to provide creative moments in midfield at Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium.

Former Bundesliga professional Ismail Jakobs is in the squad for the African champions. The world governing body FIFA only decided shortly before the start of the game to approve the change of nationality for the native of Cologne. The full-back has not yet been considered for the starting XI. As expected, Krepin Diatta will replace the injured superstar Sadio Mané on the left wing.