FIFA World Cup 2022: German players protest against FIFA

Status: 11/23/2022 2:36 p.m

Manuel Neuer plays against Japan without a “One Love” bandage, but the German team has nevertheless criticized FIFA’s approach to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: Before the kick-off against Japan, the players symbolically covered their mouths.

Immediately before kick-off at Ar-Rayyan’s Khalifa International Stadium, the German starting eleven lined up for a team photo – everyone covered their mouths demonstratively.

This was preceded by a day-long discussion about the “One Love” bandage. FIFA had threatened sanctions to European nations whose captains wanted to wear the colorful armband at the World Cup.

DFB: “Forbidding us to wear bandages is like banning our mouths.”

The DFB took a position on the action a little later. The “One Love” bandage is not about a political message, it said. “Human rights are non-negotiable. That should go without saying. Unfortunately, it still isn’t. That’s why this message is so important to us. Forbidding us to wear bandages is like banning our mouths. Our position stands.”

Federal Minister of the Interior Faeser with “One Love” bandage next to Gianni Infantino

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser wore the “One Love” bandage banned by FIFA in the stands. The SPD politician showed the bandage that she initially wore under her pink blazer during the first half when she took off the blazer. At times she was seen wearing the armband alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Faeser followed the game together with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf.

Nancy Faeser sits with the One Love armband next to Gianni Infantino.

Image: IMAGO / Bildbyran

International players’ union shows solidarity

The international players’ union FIFPRO showed solidarity with the German team. “FIFPRO joins the German team in protesting FIFA’s decision to ban Manuel Neuer from wearing the One Love armband,” it said in a tweet.

Source: sportschau.de

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