Switzerland Captain Granit Xhaka Has No Need To Copy Germany’s Armband Protest

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka said on Wednesday that his team did not need to copy Germany’s face-covering protests against FIFA’s stance on rainbow-themed armbands. Germany lined up for their team photo before a 2-1 defeat to Japan, pointing out after captain Manuel Neuer abandoned plans to wear a “Onelove” armband after being threatened with on-field disciplinary action by FIFA.

“I don’t think we need to do anything as a Swiss team. We need to respect the rules and focus on our football,” captain Xhaka told reporters ahead of his team’s Group G opener against Cameroon. Is.” Thursday.

“We listen to football play and don’t give lessons to anyone.”

The Swiss were one of seven European teams whose captains were required to wear armbands in support of LGBTQ people at the tournament in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Germany’s football federation (DFB) said on Tuesday it is examining the validity of FIFA’s threat, as some teams face criticism domestically for failing to take a firm stand against FIFA’s stand.

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Netherlands midfielder Davy Klaasen, who was one of the seven that country retreated, later praised the Germans for their resistance.

“It’s a nice change on the armband. It was a nice way to do it,” he told reporters.

Klaasen’s team will take on Ecuador in their second Group A match on Thursday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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