The “One Love” dispute continues to smolder. Last week, the whirlwind of the six colors in the heart turned into a whirlwind, the piece of fabric that symbolizes a cooing Fifa to the Qatari regime. In the end, the national teams came without the bracelet for fear of fines. But behind the scenes things are still brewing.
On Thursday, the insurgent associations gathered for a meeting: Germany, England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
There it became clear: the determination and unity that the seven countries had shown at the start of the World Cup is crumbling. Adrian Arnold, spokesman for the Swiss Football Association (SFV), told SonntagsBlick after the meeting: “No other joint actions on the football field are planned.”
This was a decision of the majority of the associations. And further: “The subject of the connection is no longer a priority.” Rather, other issues were discussed, such as a permanent contact point for migrant workers in Doha.
“Not planning to take legal action”
For Switzerland, at least, the case seems closed. Other countries remain alert. The Danish national coach Kasper Hjulmand announced further protests on Tuesday after the match against Tunisia: “I think something needs to be done. Standing up for diversity cannot and should not be a political statement.”
The German Football Association is even considering legal action. DFB officials are considering taking the bracelet ban to the International Sports Court. “FIFA has forbidden us to display a symbol of diversity and human rights. She combined this with mass threats of sports sanctions without specifying them,” said DFB media director Steffen Simon.
That is out of the question for the Swiss federation. Spokesman Arnold: “We do not intend to take legal action.”
The crisis at FIFA is far from over. The football family remains divided. Denmark, Germany and Norway refuse to support President Gianni Infantino. If the Walliser is up for re-election in March 2023, they will no longer support him.
No opposition for Infantino
“We are critical and dissatisfied and will not choose the current FIFA president,” said Danish federation spokesman Jakob Hoejer to Reuters news agency. The further procedure is discussed with the “European colleagues”.
Switzerland, the home country of the FIFA president, has responded relatively tamely. A month ago, the SFV signed a letter of support for Infantino. Has the association changed its mind after the quarrels of the past few weeks? Spokesman Arnold replies evasively: “We will make a decision in due course and will monitor the situation closely until then.”
The voting behavior of the Europeans would be no more than an expression of protest. Infantino can expect an overwhelming majority of the vote in March. A rival candidate is not in sight to this day.
Meanwhile, incident after incident follows in Qatar. World football’s governing body has ordered Belgium to change its away kit because the word “Love” was embroidered on the collar. “FIFA leaves us no choice,” said association president Peter Bossaert.
The Welsh have complained to FIFA
Qatari security forces took hats from Wales fans at the stadium in Doha. Reason: They are designed in rainbow colors. The Welsh association reacted indignantly and claims to have lodged a complaint with FIFA.
However, the boss personally took care of the most bizarre moment. At the game between Germany and Japan, Infantino posed with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, smiling and pointing to her upper arm.
The “One Love” bandage, which he had banned days earlier, was decorated there.
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