Joshua Kimmich reflects that the national team’s 2022 protest over the ban on pro-LGBTQ+ armbands at the Qatar World Cup may not have conveyed the best image.
Germany’s captain, Joshua Kimmich, has expressed regret regarding the political stance taken by the national football team during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
On November 23, 2022, prior to their opening group match against Japan, the German players staged a protest in Doha by posing for a team photograph with their hands covering their mouths. This act was intended to convey their disapproval of FIFA, the governing body of world football, which had threatened sanctions against players who wore armbands advocating for political causes during the tournament. Alongside Germany, six other European teams had intended to wear ‘OneLove’ armbands to promote diversity and tolerance, particularly in light of Qatar’s laws against homosexuality, but ultimately withdrew in response to the threat of disciplinary measures.
Kimmich stated at a press conference on Wednesday evening, ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, “As players, we should advocate for certain values, especially in my role as captain of the national team. However, it is not our responsibility to engage in political expression at all times.”
He reflected on the situation in Qatar, noting, “As a team and as a country, we did not convey a positive image overall. Our political expressions detracted somewhat from the enjoyment of the tournament, which was otherwise exceptionally well-organized.” The 29-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder conveyed his regret regarding the protest when asked about Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup.
Next month, a vote by the FIFA Congress is anticipated to confirm the sole candidate’s bid for the tournament, although human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers on construction sites.
Saudi Arabia has consistently defended its human rights record and denied any allegations of worker mistreatment.
Kimmich further remarked, “Western nations often advocate for views that we believe should be universally accepted. We, as a country, also recognize that we have our own issues, particularly on our construction sites. Therefore, it may be prudent to concentrate on those matters.”
In previous instances, we may not have acted in an ideal manner. While it is important to uphold values that are essential and non-negotiable, we must rely on individuals who specialize in political matters, as they possess the necessary expertise. I do not consider myself a political authority.
Saudi Arabia hosted its inaugural Formula One race in 2022, yet it encountered criticism the preceding year from Amnesty International. Felix Jakens, the organization’s head of priority campaigns and individuals at risk, urged all Formula One drivers, owners, and teams to reflect on the human rights situation in the nation, advocating for expressions of solidarity with imprisoned human rights advocates.
During the German players’ protest at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, coinciding with the Formula One debut in Saudi Arabia, the then-national team coach, Hansi Flick, articulated after the match against Japan that the players aimed to communicate that “FIFA is silencing teams.”
