FIFA World Cup 2022: Denmark and Germany captains to wear One Love armbands in Qatar

FIFA World Cup 2022: Denmark and Germany captains will be wearing One Love armbands in the tournament in Qatar, a country where same-sex relations are illegal.

Germany captain Manuel Neuer’s picture being displayed on a skyscraper in Doha. (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Denmark and Germany captains will be wearing One Love armbands at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, a country where same-sex relations are illegal.

Qatar, which will become the first Middle East country to host the World Cup, has been facing criticism from several players and teams over its human rights record against migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ+ community.

“I know our captain will be wearing the One Love armband,” Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen said of captain Simon Kjaer in a press conference in Doha. “What the consequences will be, I don’t know, but we will see.”

On the other hand, Germany goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer said that he intended to wear the One Love armband.

“We have the support of the German FA, our president and those responsible and so we have no fear,” Neuer said. “We are not the only ones (to wear the armband). We want to make a statement together.”

According to the FIFA rules, team equipment should not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. The world football body also urged the World Cup teams to focus on the tournament instead of dragging sport into ideological or political “battles”.

The FIFA rejected Denmark’s request to train at the World Cup 2022 in shirts with the words “human rights for all” on them. Moreover, same-sex relations are illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to three years in jail.

As per Reuters, members of Qatar’s LGBTQ+ community have reported being detained, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The group also accused authorities of ordering some transgender women to attend conversion therapy. A Qatari official criticised the HRW report as containing false information and said the country does not license or operate conversion centres.