DOHA – The Germany challenge the FIFA and the Qatar. At the entrance to the field for the match against Japanthe German captain, the goalkeeper Manuel Neuerwore the official Fifa armband. But she is slightly covered by another shirt: therefore she has chosen not to wear the rainbow band from the “One Love” campaign, so the Fifa had threatened to book the players that they wore it because it was against the regulation on official wearing equipment. Incredibly, given that the wing was covered, the linesman Seagullfrom Suriname, went to check if it was a “prohibited” band. A literally surreal scene. While the TV never takes a close view Newnot even during the replays: who knows what he must be afraid of.
Germany, the protest for the band denied: hands in front of the mouth
And then, everyone with their hand in front of their mouth, as if to mimic the gag. After the anthems, when it was time to take the group photo, the Germany players staged a sort of flash mob. Which seems to mimic the “gag”: a clear message, against Fifa and Qatar who banned the rainbow captain’s armband from the “One Love” campaign. Just for an instant, however collected by photographers and highly visible from the stadium. But overshadowed by international directors, which did not broadcast the images of that protest. He wore the rainbow band in the stands Nancy FaeserGerman interior minister. At his side there was the president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino.
Germany, the Football Federation: “Human rights are not negotiable”
The German Football Association he then explained the gesture, if ever there was a need, with a note: “With the captain’s armband we wanted to set an example of the values we have in the German national team: diversity and mutual respect. This is not a political message: human rights are not negotiable. This should go without saying. Sadly, it is not yet. That is why this message is so important to us. Along with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard. Denying us the use of the headband is like turning off our mouths. We stand our ground.”
