Clearly, FIFA need to watch a little more closely.
Harry Kane was pictured wearing a £535,000 rainbow Rolex as he arrived at a stadium in Doha in what some have suggested was a show of defiance against FIFA.
The England captain’s gesture, ahead of England’s 6-2 opening match win over Iran, comes as FIFA is under increasing pressure over the host nation Qatar’s human rights record, specifically its ban on homosexuality.
Teams were told not to wear OneLove armbands in support of LGBTQ+ communities – something England and Wales buckled to – and Belgium’s away kit was rejected because ‘Love’ is written on its collar. Reports are also emerging daily of fans and reporters being denied entry to stadiums over rainbow-themed clothing and flags.
Germany’s players protested by placing their hands over their mouths before their match against Japan – in a sign of being silenced.
Love Harry Kane and love the watch even more 👑 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/O4mldTeyGm
— Dane Lillingstone (@Dane_ML) November 25, 2022
Some media reports have compared Kane’s Rolex to the Pride flag and have suggested it was worn as a symbolic protest.
Instagram account Insane Luxury Life shared a snap of Kane wearing the timepiece, which was previously worn by Stormzy at the Brit Awards in 2020. It said the 18k rose gold watch is “one of the most sought-after pieces on (the) market.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWBtLJIDgE/
A caption under the picture detailed what makes the watch so special.
“This masterpiece is set with 36 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires on bezel, 56 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and 11 baguette-cut rainbow-coloured sapphires as hour markers.
“The Daytona Rainbow was first released in 2012 in 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold, at the time they weren’t much appreciated by the market. #Rolex.”
The account said the watch retails for $135,850 but has a current market value of $650,000 (£536k).
Kane returned to full training on Thursday ahead of the team’s clash with the USA on Friday.
Kane suffered an ankle knock during England’s opening game, a 6-2 victory over Iran, but has been given the all-clear to play.
Related links:
- England fans in crusader costumes banned from entering Qatar stadiums
- Japan supporters clean up rubbish following famous win over Germany
- Denmark consider leaving FIFA with other UEFA nations
