At the time of recording the podcast, there was still a huge discussion about whether England, Germany, the Netherlands and other European nations were actually going to be wearing the One Love armbands.

Well, since earlier, a statement from the FA has read that FIFA has been very

clear that it will impose sporting sanctions if our captains wear the armbands on the field

of play. As national federations, we can't put our players in a position where they could face

sporting sanctions, including bookings. So, we have asked the captains not to attempt to wear the armbands in FIFA World Cup games.

It's a huge U-turn from England, who intended to do it, from Germany and from the Netherlands,

and from some other European nations.

This is the discussion that we had earlier on about the issue prior to the decision being made.

Day two of the World Cup here in Qatar and we are up and running,

perhaps not for the hosts on the pitch after that opening defeat to Ecuador.

We had the monarch of Qatar and the king of FIFA, Janie Infantino,

declaring the tournament open at the Albaite Stadium.

As the great and the good, including David Beckham, watched on,

will discuss the issues on and off the field.

As England, the US and Wales start their tournament,

I'm Adam Leventhal and this is the Athletic Football Podcast.

Fasados cross.

Oh, fabulous head.

He's done it again, out of Valencia.

Thank you. He's done it again, Anna Valencia. So with me today on our rooftop location is the athletics Adam Crafton and the well-travelled Laurie Whitwell.

Just to share their thoughts on what we've seen and we've heard so far.

Laurie, I will, I'll give you the floor to start off with seeing as the journey that you've had is,

...