German And Belgium Ministers Wear One Love Armbands Next To FIFA President

The One Love armband-wearing ministers and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s antics in the stands also attracted attention.

The controversy around the One Love armband took a new turn on Wednesday after representatives from Germany and Belgium were photographed speaking with FIFA head Gianni Infantino while sporting the rainbow-themed band.

Seven European countries, including England and Wales, abandoned their plans to wear the inclusive armband after receiving warnings from FIFA of sanctions, raising fears that the controversy could dominate the World Cup in Qatar.
Prior to their shocking 2-1 loss to Japan on Wednesday, Germany’s players warmed up in training jerseys with rainbow-colored sleeves and protested by covering their mouths.

The team posted a statement on social media following the photo that read: “Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We maintain our stance.
Additionally sporting the armband in the stands next to Infantino was the nation’s interior minister Nancy Faeser. The German FA is suing the body that oversees international football, and the outcome may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA has prohibited us from displaying a symbol of diversity and human rights, according to DFB spokesman Steffen Simon.
They accompanied this restriction with severe but unnamed threats of sporting penalties. The DFB is investigating the legality of FIFA’s move.

Now, video of Belgium’s Hadja Lahbib arguing animatedly with Infantino while visibly pointing at the armband. Throughout the conversation, the two people shook hands.

Despite receiving a yellow card, ITV pundits Roy Keane and Ian Wright pushed captains to wear the armband.

I believe they are capable of much more, Keane stated.
“Who hushed them, and why? Wear the armband and use their voice. It has to do with leadership and taking initiative. They can do more, but this is just a gesture and a beginning.”

Belgium’s World Cup away uniform, which has the word “love” on it, must be changed, per FIFA’s instructions.