DFB player Thomas Müller is in the debate about the ban at the World Cup in Qatar “one love”-Captain’s armband with Fifa in court. At the same time, he criticizes that the expectations of footballers are too high to position themselves politically at the tournament.
National striker Thomas Müller has made a detailed post on Instagram in the discussion about the ban on the “one love”-Captain’s armband reported by Fifa. In it, the attacker from FC Bayern Munich criticizes the often expressed expectations of the DFB players.
“Anyone who expects us footballers to completely abandon our path as athletes and give up our sporting dreams, for which we have worked all our footballing lives, in order to position ourselves even more politically, will be disappointed”writes the 2014 world champion one day before the national team’s first group game against Japan (2 p.m., live on Erste and Magenta TV).
At the same time, the 33-year-old addresses the World Football Association: “The unrest surrounding the events leading up to the World Cup in Qatar, the ban on the ‘One Love’ bandage and other strange actions and statements by Fifa are of concern to us players and the entire team.” The national team understands neither the point of view nor the way Fifa communicates.
Thomas Müller criticizes Fifa – and protects the DFB-Elf
Fifa, as the organizer of the World Cup in Qatar, had banned German and other teams from wearing a colorful armband with the lettering to their team captains “one love” as a sign of tolerance for all ways of life and love and for freedom of expression. Fifa’s decision is just one in a series of events surrounding the tournament that have cast doubt on the federation’s stance on issues such as tolerance, inclusion and diversity.
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“Due to the decision of all football associations concerned not to wear the bandage at the games, the DFB and we players are also criticized”explains Thomas Müller in his statement. “I can understand and accept the criticism, but I don’t share this view!” The DFB striker refers to the commitment of his teammates: “The association and we players have been involved far beyond the green pitch for years. Many national players have their own foundations or have been supporting various social institutions with great commitment for years.”
Whether and how the German national team will also express their attitude at their World Cup opener against Japan, Müller leaves open. He hopes for support from Germany for the game. “We want to show you that we can inspire our German football nation with team spirit, unity and football finesse.”
Sources: DPA news agency
Source: Stern
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.
