Shortly before the start of the World Cup, FIFA suddenly presented new plans for captain's armbands. With these, several teams want to set an example against discrimination and for diversity - and they don't want to be dissuaded. Meanwhile, the United States is making its message conspicuous.
Manuel Neuer once again emphasized the "power" of the "One Love Bandage", and Simon Kjaer and Harry Kane also showed their determination to send a sign into the world. FIFA's sudden advance did not shake the captains of the German, Danish and English national teams. "I think it's good that we can make a statement together," said Neuer: "We'll try to enforce and represent it."
The world football association had previously announced that it would start its own campaigns in the long discussion about messages on the captain's pads. An unforeseeable development one day before the start of the World Championships, which is probably not in competition with the action of Neuer and Co. by chance. "Of course, the short-term nature is surprising, it seems as if FIFA does not have a clear stance," said DFB managing director Bierhoff, whose association had previously helped initiate the "One Love Bandage": "We have clearly justified our clear stance, also through our President. We'll see what's coming and we'll coordinate with the other nations because it's important that it's the voice of multiple nations, not just one."
Again - as with the beer bar - the world association made a decision shortly before the first kick-off on a topic that had previously caused long discussions. And in which the host Qatar takes a different view than the western participating countries, who want to stand up for diversity, openness and tolerance with the multicolored piece of material with a heart. Who demand an improved situation for migrant workers, who stand up for women's rights, freedom of expression and the LGBTQ community.
In the past few days, the discussion has boiled over. French captain Hugo Lloris announced that he would not play "One Love" and had a prominent advocate in President Emmanuel Macron. "I think we shouldn't politicize sport," Macron said. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf emphasized that he would accept a fine for the action: "This is not a political statement, but a statement for human rights."
The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Wales had also announced in the run-up to the tournament that they would be there. The US found another way to present its idea of equality. In the media areas of their base camp in the Al-Gharafa Stadium, the federation's logo is clearly in rainbow colors instead of blue and red and will appear accordingly in the background of TV interviews and in photos.
The participating countries have some leeway in this area, and FIFA could become active with the captain's armbands. President Gianni Infantino did not clarify on Saturday whether the teams with “One Love Bandage” face penalties. He just said there are "clear guidelines from FIFA. We have different campaigns on different issues. We have to find issues that everyone agrees with. That's an important element for us."
In cooperation with organizations of the United Nations, FIFA chose the motto for the first match day of the World Cup
