As fans around the world geared up for the exciting clash between Germany and Japan, they were left wondering why German national players decided to cover their mouths for the team photo before the FIFA world cup 2022 match
More professional football players have decided to make a statement on the LGBTQ+ issue as the FIFA World Cup progresses.
Explained Why Did Germany Players Cover Their Mouths During Team Photo In The FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 And Its Meaning
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.
Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position. pic.twitter.com/tiQKuE4XV7
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
Germany kick started their 2022 World Cup campaign with the game against Japan today, Wednesday, 23 November 2022.
Why Did German Players Cover Their Mouths
The incident happened at the Khalifa International Stadium before the group E clash between Germany and Japan. As the team gathered for their photo to be taken, the German players proceeded to line up and all of them put their hands to cover their mouths.
The act was a clear denouncement against FIFA’s veto against the rainbow armband. Just recently, FIFA decided to ban the rainbow colored captain’s armband in support of human rights and the LGTBQ+ community.
With their act, Germany were already making headlines even before the referee whistled to kick-off the match. The image was eventually shared all over social media prompting much debate among many groups and individuals.
Germany Clarifies
Following the controversial gesture, the official German football team social media accounts clarified on the incident. The team’s official Twitter account shared a message sharing their views on the ban and clarifying their actions:
‘We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect. Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.’
‘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. Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.’
FIFA are still yet to make any response against the stance.