The world football association Fifa banned footballers from wearing the “One Love” armband at the World Cup in Qatar on Monday. It should actually be a sign against discrimination and for diversity. In protest, the German players then covered their mouths during the team photo before the first game against Japan – but still didn’t wear the armband.
Christian Rudolph heads the central contact point for gender and sexual diversity at the German Football Association (DFB). In an interview, he explains why the armband would have been an important sign for him. Rudolph calls the fact that the World Cup is taking place in Qatar a “nightmare” for queer people: “In doing so, we take away the courage and voice of people around the world when large associations do not assume their responsibility and do not work to ensure that everyone is really welcome in football.”
Rudolph would like to work to ensure that the World Cup and the abuses are discussed honestly. For him, this also includes clear criticism of Fifa – “the backing is not there,” said Rudolph. The DFB tries honestly to promote more diversity – but there is often still a lack of understanding of the realities of life for queer people.
The editorial deadline for this program was Friday, November 25, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Moderation, editing: Tami Holderried
Editors: Antonia Franz, Nadja Schlueter, Vinzent-Vitus Leitgeb
Production: Imanuel Pedersen
Additional audio material via Deutschlandfunk (Hubertus Heil in conversation with Friedbert Meurer on November 24, 2022), German Bundestag, DW News, ZDF.
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