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Former Super Eagles forward Peter Osaze Odemwingie has criticized the English FA amid ongoing discussions about potentially sanctioning Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi.
Guéhi is under scrutiny after writing “Jesus loves you” on his rainbow armband during Crystal Palace’s match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night.
This comes just days after he inscribed “I love Jesus” on the same armband during Saturday’s game against Newcastle, defying the FA’s explicit warning against displaying religious messages.
The FA, which contacted Guéhi and Crystal Palace earlier this week, reminded them of Rule A4 of its regulations, which prohibits religious or political statements on equipment or apparel.
The armband in question was part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign, running from November 29 to December 5, to promote inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
However, Guéhi’s decision to prioritize his personal faith over the campaign’s message has sparked a broader debate.
Speaking during no-holds-barred interview on Brila FM with Ifeanyi Udeze, Odemwingie, who captained the Super Eagles during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, expressed his disapproval of the FA’s approach.
He argued that such campaigns should not be forced on players, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal beliefs.
“I don’t agree with this because all they are trying to do is inclusivity; they are fighting for a cause.
But you are promoting something, and at the same time, the guy wants to promote his own faith as well,” Odemwingie stated.
“There is a conflict there with faith. The players believe in their faith, and when you believe in something, you stand for it.
They’re crossing the line. In my time, they asked us to show love to the community, asking, ‘Can some of you wear it?’ But forcing it on players is different.”
Guéhi’s actions and the FA’s response have ignited discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and adhering to organizational rules, highlighting the tension between personal beliefs and public campaigns in football.
