FA won’t light up Wembley arch for social, political causes

The English Football Association is unlikely to light the arch at Wembley Stadium to support social and political causes in the future, a source within the governing body told Reuters on Thursday.

The move follows the FA’s decision last month not to light the arch in blue and white in solidarity with Israel following attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7. The British government reprimanded the FA for the decision.

The 133 meter high steel structure was lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag last year after Russia invaded the country, and those of France and Turkey after the attacks in Paris and Istanbul .

However, the England Stadium will in future only light its canopy for football and entertainment related matters and is unlikely to be used for causes and campaigns supported by the FA, added The source.

The FA observed a minute’s silence for victims of the Israel-Hamas conflict before kick-off of England’s friendly against Australia at Wembley on October 13, instead of lighting the arch.