USA redesigns logo with rainbow colors to make a statement at World Cup in Qatar
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Featured Image Credit: Team USA/Instagram. Alan Smith / Alamy Stock Photo
Team USA has redesigned their logo ahead of the FIFA World Cup to send a message while competing in Qatar.
The old badge used to have the blue letters of USA emblazoned on the top followed by seven red stripes running down in a straight line.
Those red stripes will be transformed into rainbow colors for the highly-anticipated tournament.
The Independent states this new look logo will only be used during moments outside of official matches and the team will continue using the original logo when playing games during the World Cup.
But Team USA wanted to show their solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community while in a country that is notoriously anti-gay.
A spokesperson for the team said: “Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of US Soccer.
“As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe.
“As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the Fifa World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow US Soccer branding.”
The team trained at the Al Gharrafa SC Stadium in Ar-Rayyan and an image from the session showed a huge US crest on the wall, alongside a slogan that read 'One Nation'.
Team USA head coach Gregg Berhalter says they're not just heading to Qatar to play football.
"I think that when we are on the world stage and [we're in] Qatar, it's important to bring awareness to these issues, and that's what Be the Change is about," he said.
"It's not just stateside that we want to bring attention to social issues. It's also abroad.
"We recognize that Qatar has made strides and there has been a ton of progress, but there's still some work to do."
The USMNT is incorporating the rainbow flag in their logo at the team's practice facilities in Qatar for the World Cup.
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The design is to show support for the LGBTQ+ community as same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/qESEU2nfFv
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Qatar has been called out for its treatment of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite all eyes being on the host country, high-ranking officials have not backed down on their views on the gay community.
Qatar’s World Cup ambassador Khalid Salman was slammed for his comments regarding homosexuality.
He told German broadcaster ZDF: “They have to accept our rules here. [Homosexuality] is haram. Do you know what haram means?
“I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind."
However, according to The Guardian, World Cup organizers say 'everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background', will be welcome in Qatar during the World Cup, as long as they abide by the local laws.
