Pantone and Stop Homophobie create #ColorsOfLove flag for Qatar World Cup

In response to Qatar's ban on rainbow flags during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Pantone and French association Stop Homophobie have launched the #ColorsOfLove initiative, creating a white flag with stripes labeled with Pantone codes corresponding to the LGBTQ rainbow. The World Cup runs from November 20 to December 18, 2022, in five Qatari cities and eight stadiums, six of which are newly built. Qatar's ambassador Khalid Salman stated in a ZDF interview that homosexuality is prohibited as it causes psychological harm, and that visitors must accept local rules. The organizing committee abruptly ended the interview. Local artist Bouthayna Al Muftah created eight posters for the event celebrating Qatar's passion for football. Civil rights organizations and international figures have called for a boycott. The Italian national team failed to qualify.