Germany players mock FIFA before their match: Before their match, the players of Germany’s national team mocked

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — As a form of protest against FIFA in response to the governing body’s crackdown on the “One Love” armband, the players for Germany covered their lips for the team picture that was taken before their first World Cup match on Wednesday.

Before beginning their match against Japan, the German team lined up in their customary formation, and in a synchronized display, all 11 players on the German side covered their lips with their right hands.

After the game, in which his side was defeated by a score of 2-1, Germany head coach Hansi Flick said, “It was a message from the team, from us, that FIFA is muzzling us.”

The move was a reaction to the fact that FIFA had effectively canceled the intentions of seven European teams to wear armbands during the World Cup. These armbands were intended to be a criticism of the human rights record of Qatar, which is hosting the tournament.

Before beginning their match against Japan, the German team lined up in their customary formation, and in a synchronized display, all 11 players on the German side covered their lips with their right hands.
Before beginning their match against Japan, the German team lined up in their customary formation, and in a synchronized display, all 11 players on the German side covered their lips with their right hands.

VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS

The armband with the heart-shaped, multicolored design that was supposed to be worn by team leaders, including Germany’s captain Manuel Neuer, was supposed to be a symbol for inclusiveness and diversity. However, once FIFA made it apparent that they would suffer penalties if they did not back down, the seven federations eventually caved in.

Neuer made the statement that despite the possibility that our bands would be taken away from us, we will never allow our voices to be silenced. “We are advocates of human rights. That was the point that we wanted to make. Although FIFA may have forced us to keep our mouths shut over the captain’s armbands, we will never compromise our principles.

According to Neuer, the concept of covering one’s mouth with one’s hand originated from the team.

“We really wanted to do something, and we thought about what we could do,” Neuer said what the group’s motivation was for taking action. It was very evident that we intended to transmit a signal.

FIFA has said that there would be no disciplinary punishment taken against Germany for the gesture.

Although it was difficult to see beneath the sleeve of his shirt, Neuer donned an armband during the match against Japan that with the FIFA-approved phrase “No Discrimination.” Neuer said that it had too much give and was always falling off.

During play on Wednesday’s match, the German Soccer Federation issued a statement that explained its stance and shared it on Twitter.

“We wanted to convey a signal for principles that we live by as members of the national team, including diversity and mutual respect, using our captain’s armband. Being very loud in conjunction with other countries.

“This is not a message about politics; human rights are not up for discussion. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Unfortunately, it is not yet the case. According to what was said by the federation, “that is precisely why this message is so crucial to us.” “Not allowing us to wear the armband is the same as putting a muzzle on us. Our position has not changed.”

The human rights record of Qatar as well as its laws that criminalize homosexuality have been the subject of intense criticism.

On Monday, FIFA issued a warning to all of the federations, hours before a match between England and the Netherlands was scheduled to go place with both teams’ leaders wearing “One Love” armbands. The governing body said that the players will be given a yellow card immediately and might face further repercussions for their actions.

Bernd Neuendorf, head of the German Soccer Federation, referred to FIFA’s warning as “another low blow” from the organization.

In the grandstand during the Germany game, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who is also responsible for sports, sported an armband reading “One Love” while sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Faeser is responsible for sports in Germany. On Twitter, Faeser shared a snapshot of herself with the hashtag #OneLove alongside a picture of herself wearing the item.

According to the DPA news agency, Faeser was seen wearing an armband underneath a pink jacket throughout the first half of the game, but she removed it before the break.

Earlier, Faeser voiced his disapproval of Qatar for ordering a German supporter to remove a rainbow-colored armband and headband while attending another game.

“This is not in accordance with my understanding of the security promises that I was provided by the (Qatari) interior minister,” Faeser said. “This is not in line with my understanding of the security guarantees that I was given.” “Security must be applicable to every single person. This has left me with a terrible feeling within.

When it comes to issues of sexual variety, the rainbow flag is often waved as a sign of acceptance and tolerance.

Faeser was quoted as saying that such emblems need to be shown publicly.