The Germany team protested against FIFA’s decision to ban the OneLove armband at the Qatar World Cup, covering their mouths before kick-off to signal that they’ve been silenced.
Germany's team photo before their match vs. Japan 🤭 pic.twitter.com/scBY1enYKV
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 23, 2022
A statement was released by the German national team which said: “With our captain’s armband, we wanted to set an example for values that we live in the national team: diversity and mutal respect. Be loud together with other nations. This is not about a political message: human rights are non-negotiable.
“That should go without saying. Unfortunately it still isn’t. That is why this message is so important to us.
“Banning us from the armband is like banning our mouths. Our stance stands.”
Germany, along with six other nations including England and Wales were among a small group of European countries planning to wear the rainbow armband as a protest for inclusivity and anti-discrimination.
However before the sides got their campaign underway the seven nations decided they wouldn’t wear the armband after threats from FIFA.
It was heavily reported that FIFA threatened any captain who wore the rainbow armband would receive a booking.
There has been further German support for the OneLove armband with German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community Nancy Faeser showing off the strap in the stands in Qatar – much like former England international and BBC Sport presenter Alex Scott who wore the armband live on air ahead of England’s game with Iran.
German minister Nancy Faeser has the OneLove🏳️🌈 armband on as she sits next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. #GER | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/sf5FWmVeWj
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) November 23, 2022
Alex Scott you legend pic.twitter.com/Tvzei6sh5s
— Ali Tweedale (@alitweedale) November 21, 2022
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