National striker Thomas Müller made a detailed post on Instagram in the discussion about Fifa’s ban on the “One Love” captain’s armband. 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’ armband and other strange actions and statements by Fifa concern us players and the entire team. ” The national team understands neither the point of view nor the way Fifa communicates.
Fifa, as the organizer of the World Cup in Qatar, had forbidden the German and other teams from having their team captains wear a colorful armband with the lettering “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.
“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 turf 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: Thomas Müller on Instagram, DPA news agency
