FIFA has made efforts to prevent players and teams from engaging in any form of activism during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite these restrictions, the German National Soccer Team decided to make a stand before their opening game against Japan.
The team had planned to wear rainbow-colored “One Love” captain’s armbands to promote human rights, diversity, and mutual respect. However, FIFA informed them, along with several other teams like England, Wales, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and Belgium, that such armbands were not allowed. Any captain spotted wearing the armband would receive a yellow card at the start of the match.
In order to avoid jeopardizing their participation in the tournament while still making a statement, the German team chose to leave the armbands in the locker room. Instead, they protested FIFA’s restrictions by covering their mouths in the team’s pregame photo.
They also posted a message on Twitter explaining their actions: “It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.”
The team further expressed, “Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
England, Wales, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, and Belgium were among the other teams planning to wear the banned armbands. The protests primarily address the human rights violations in Qatar, which have sparked discussions leading up to the tournament.
While FIFA aims to avoid upsetting their hosts, the German team prioritizes standing up for what is right, even if it means challenging the Qatari government. Their stance deserves acknowledgment and respect.
