A rift runs through Europe: Uefa has forbidden its sponsors to display the advertising banners in rainbow colors in the EM stadiums in St. Petersburg and Baku. In Munich and Rome this is not a problem.
The European Football Association Uefa has, among other things, prohibited its main sponsor Volkswagen from displaying its perimeter advertising in the rainbow colors in the EM stadiums in St. Petersburg and Baku. The association has apparently buckled under pressure from the Russian and Azerbaijani governments. Both countries have restrictive laws for homosexuals and trans people. However, they are to be used at the venues in Munich and Rome.
“Due to concerns of Uefa with regard to the legal framework at the venues in Russia and Azerbaijan, the association informed us that it would not be possible to use rainbow-colored advertising on the advertising boards in St. Petersburg and Baku,” said Volkswagen on Friday With. The car manufacturer regrets this development and has once again wanted to set a “clear sign for diversity”.
Last dispute between Munich and Uefa
Most recently there had been a dispute between the city of Munich and Uefa on the question. The city council had decided to light up the outer shell of the Allianz Arena in rainbow colors during the game between the German team and Hungary. The city wanted to protest against the gay laws just passed in Hungary. Uefa had also forbidden that and triggered a storm of indignation. Illumination of the Munich arena remains prohibited while banner advertising is allowed.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
