Status: 11/22/2022 9:05 p.m
Interior Minister Faeser appealed in daily topics-Interview to FIFA to reconsider the ban on the “One Love” armband. At the same time, the minister defended her visit to Qatar – she would also address the human rights situation there.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) has announced FIFA’s ban on the “One Love” captain’s armband – and its threat of sporting sanctions if worn – in the daily topics called a “big mistake”. In justification, Faeser said that it must be possible to openly advocate for diversity and against discrimination. Referring to the DFB, which did not oppose FIFA’s decision, the minister said:
I would have wished that the associations had not given in to this.
Since September it has been clear that the European associations – including the DFB – want to wear the bandage. FIFA left them in the dark about whether they would approve it until just before kick-off. And then threatened sporting sanctions.
Faeser: Don’t dump responsibility on athletes
When asked whether it would be better to accept the sporting sanctions threatened by FIFA, such as yellow cards, Faeser said she did not want this responsibility to be “offloaded” on the athletes. In this case, you see FIFA as responsible. She is therefore appealing to the international football association to revise its own position on the subject. She herself wants to make that clear in talks with FIFA representatives, should it come to that, says Faeser.
And she regrets the decision of the DFB, which had not resisted FIFA’s instructions. The Federal Minister of the Interior assessed the damage this caused to German football as “very great”.
“I have a clear stance on human rights issues,” Nany Faeser, Interior Minister SPD, on criticism of the World Cup in Qatar
daily topics 9:45 p.m., 22.11.2022
Faeser wants to address the human rights situation in Qatar again
After a long time it was not clear whether a member of the federal government would travel to the widely criticized World Cup in Qatar, Faeser defended her visit to the desert state. As Minister of Sport, she is also responsible for the German fans, among other things. Support is important for them.
In addition, Faeser wants to talk about the human rights situation in the country again during talks on site – she didn’t just come because of the football, according to Faeser. According to Faeser, not coming would have been the “easier way”. You chose the heavier one.
I could have made it easy for myself by just staying at home and criticizing, but that’s not my attitude.
DFB sponsors in conflict
Most of the DFB sponsors tried the balancing act between clear criticism of FIFA’s decision and backing for the German association. Only the retail giant Rewe distanced itself and wants to end the cooperation with the DFB prematurely. Rewe had already terminated the partnership agreement in October. Now the retail group wants to waive its advertising rights – especially in the context of the World Cup – as a protest. A DFB collection album from Rewe for the World Cup in Qatar is now being offered free of charge. Rewe wants to donate the previous sales proceeds.
Deutsche Telekom, which broadcasts all World Cup games via MagentaTV, announced talks with the DFB. “We don’t believe in hasty decisions and first have to understand the background to the DFB’s decision,” said the group. “That’s why we will be talking to the DFB about the whole issue in a timely manner.”
Long-time kit supplier Adidas stands by its contract with the DFB. “We will not end the partnership,” emphasized a spokesman for the sporting goods company, which equips seven national teams in Qatar. Adidas relies on dialogue: “Sport offers a stage for important topics. It is essential to continue the discussion.” Adidas initially did not comment on the partnership with the world football association FIFA, for which Adidas is one of the seven most important sponsors.
VW and Lufthansa are sticking to sponsorship
Volkswagen is sticking to the DFB sponsorship. There were “many good developments” there. “And we want to continue to work together with the DFB on positive changes in football overall in the future,” said a spokesman for the car manufacturer, which also owns the Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg. “Nevertheless, we would have welcomed it if the European federations had set such a visible sign of diversity at this tournament.” But in world football “something fundamental has to change urgently”.
Lufthansa flies the German national team to their away games. The airline also wants to remain loyal to the DFB. She pointed out that she had set a clear sign for tolerance and diversity with the inscription “Diversity Wins” on an Airbus A330. The aircraft is currently being used on various long-haul routes – including to Doha.