Cristiano Ronaldo is refusing to wear the “One Love” armband, which advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, during the 2022 World Cup.

The world-renowned soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo, revealed in a press conference that he will not be participating in wearing the “One Love” armband. The armband consists of a heart with a rainbow inside of it and the number one. This “One Love” band is being used to advocate inclusivity, being that the 2022 World Cup is being held in Qatar, a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.

In Qatar, homosexuality can result in severe punishment. People of the LGBTQ+ community have been arrested and put in “detention.” Anyone from the LGBTQ+ community who attends the World Cup is at risk of being detained, beaten, and violated.

Players who wear the armband are threatened with receiving a yellow card, according to FIFA’s regulations. This yellow card can result in a suspension from the games if the player were to receive another yellow card during the game. Obviously, any mention of social issues is discouraged on the field. Due to the consequences, none of the captains from any of the other national teams have worn the armband, but none have faced backlash like Ronaldo has.

Ronaldo stated, “If I had to perform at 37 years and eight months… I would be worried. After what I’ve already done and won, it would come as a surprise to me. Of course I have to show what I am year after year.”

Ronaldo has announced in multiple interviews that the 2022 World Cup will be his last. He told Bein Sports, “I expect Qatar could be my final World Cup.” It could be possible that his reasoning for not wearing the armband is that he doesn’t want to be suspended from what could be his last couple of games.

Regarding the matter, Ronaldo responds to the question of whether this World Cup will be the most important competition of his career. He says, “Yes, one of the most; it’s a dream to win, but if they stopped winning trophies, I would be proud.”

Unfortunately, Portugal is no longer a qualifying team in the World Cup, given that they faced a defeat against Morocco on Saturday.