In an apparent criticism of FIFA’s crackdown on plans to wear armbands to protest prejudice in host nation Qatar, Germany’s players covered their mouths for their team portrait before their opening World Cup match.
In an apparent criticism of FIFA’s crackdown on plans to wear armbands to protest prejudice in the host country Qatar, Germany’s players covered their mouths for the team photo before their opening World Cup match.
Before playing Japan on Wednesday, the team lined up in the customary formation, and each of the 11 players covered their mouth with their right hand.
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It appeared to be a reaction to FIFA’s warning to the seven European federations, which included Germany’s, that players would face sanctions if they donned vibrant “One Love” armbands as a sign of inclusivity and diversity. The armbands were intended to be worn by the seven team captains.
Qatar’s human rights record and homesexuality-related regulations have drawn criticism.
Just hours before the first teams were scheduled to play with their captain wearing the armband, soccer’s governing body issued the warning on Monday. The players would be given a yellow card right away, according to FIFA.
Among those who criticized FIFA’s choice were Germany coach Hansi Flick and the president of the soccer federation Bernd Neuendorf.
The warning has been described by Neuendorf as “another low blow” from FIFA. The ruling body is silent regarding the Germans’ gesture from Wednesday.
In the crowd at the Germany-Japan match, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who is also in charge of sports, wore a “One Love” armband. With the hashtag #OneLove, Faeser tweeted a photo of herself wearing it.
Faeser reportedly had the wristband on inside a pink blazer that she removed after the first half, according to news agency DPA.
At the game, Faeser was seated next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Faeser earlier criticized Qatar for ordering a German fan at another game to take off a rainbow-colored armband and headband.
The security assurances I received from the interior minister of Qatar do not line up with this, according to Faeser. Security must be applicable to everyone. This makes me very disappointed.
The rainbow flag is frequently used as a representation of tolerance for sexual diversity.
According to Faeser, “such symbols should be shown in public.”