World Cup 2022: What’s been banned and how have players reacted?

OneLove armbands

The OneLove armband with a rainbow flag in the shape of a heart and was going to be worn by team captains from seven nations to protest Qatar's laws against same-sex relationships.

But football's world governing body Fifa said they would give a yellow card to any player wearing it, so the teams decided not to wear it.

According to Fifa rules, "political, religious or personal messages or slogans" are banned, and it instead offered the captains an armband that says "No Discrimination".

On Wednesday, players in the German team covered their mouths in protest as they posed for a pre-match photo.

Off the pitch, a former Danish prime minister, a German federal minister and BBC Sport presenter and former England women's player Alex Scott were all pictured wearing rainbow armbands.

A Danish TV reporter has also been testing where the boundaries lie by wearing a OneLove armband while reporting but was told to take it off by a Qatari official.

Beer

The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled in Qatar, but alcohol was going to be served inside stadiums until Fifa suddenly changed its policy just two days before the tournament.

The last minute U-turn was awkward for major World Cup sponsor and brewer Budweiser, which was quick to respond.

"Well, this is awkward," it posted on Twitter - but later deleted the tweet.

Despite the ban inside stadiums, beer is still being served in fan zones where people can gather to watch matches on a big screen.

Bucket hats

The bucket hat has become a symbol for Welsh football crowds after it was launched as unofficial merchandise in 2010.

But Welsh fans wearing a rainbow version in Qatar have reported having it confiscated by officials, including ex-Wales football captain Laura McAllister, who said she felt intimidated when told by a steward to remove her hat as she entered a stadium.

Fifa hasn't yet commented on whether fans are allowed to leave their hats on.

Removing other clothes

Fans may not remove items of clothing or "remain in a state of undress including being shirtless or reveal intimate body parts", according to a code of conduct for Qatar published by Fifa.

While taking off your shirt might be the norm in many UK grounds at moments of peak footballing drama, fans in Qatar could be fined.

Peeing in any place other than a toilet, littering and smoking are also forbidden, and horns and musical instruments are banned - officials don't want a repeat of 2010 when the vuvuzela became the soundtrack of the World Cup in South Africa.

Other items fans aren't allowed to bring include significant quantities of paper or inflatables - because of the risk they could end up on the pitch.

The word 'love'

The Belgium team will not wear their away shirts which have the word "love" printed on the collar.

Belgium says Fifa told them to remove it - so they'll wear their red home shirts instead.

The shirt has a rainbow-coloured trim, inspired by the fireworks of Belgian music festival Tomorrowland, and the festival's logo is incorporated in the "o" of "Love".

Reuters reports Fifa rejected the shirt not because of the colours, which are typically a symbol of support for LGBTQ+ rights, but because of the commercial link to Tomorrowland.

Fifa also rejected the Danish Football Association's request to train in shirts with the words "human rights for all".

Qatar has come under intense scrutiny for the way it treats migrant workers - and its government says reforms are being made. (with inouts from BBC)