Qatar’s national football team could face disciplinary action from FIFA after its players warmed up for a World Cup qualifier against South Korea wearing t-shirts showing support for the country’s Emir.
The show of support for Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani came after several Gulf nations and Egypt cut ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions on Doha for allegedly supporting “extremism”.
The white shirts worn by the players were emblazoned with a profile portrait of the Emir, an image that has become a widely used symbol ofvdefiance by Qataris in response to the
diplomatic crisis.
The t-shirt was also waved by midfielder Hasan Al-Haydos after he put the Qataris 1-0 ahead from a free-kick in the 25th minute.
After scoring, Haydos sprinted to the touchline and held up a t-shirt to the crowd.
FIFA bans any unsanctioned political, religious or commercial messages on shirts.
Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had confirmed the tournament was not under threat by the diplomatic crisis.
