But how do you do with protests that can be seen to be in line with the values ​​of our own organization?

Fifa's proposal to the national unions: "Use common sense".

Crowds of athletes around the world have variously demonstrated their distancing from the events in Minneapolis, where unarmed African-American George Floyd slowly choked to death during a police raid on May 25.

Worst in 50 years

Floyd's death is seen as yet another tragic example of the underlying racism in American society, and lit a gunpowder that set several American cities on fire and led to a domestic political crisis. The United States is experiencing its worst unrest in 50 years.

In recent days, several Bundesliga football players have openly shown their support for Floyd. Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi both showed undershirts with the written message "Justice for George Floyd". Schalke's Weston McKennie had the same message on a bracelet and Mönchengladbach's Marcus Thuram went down on his knees, an act which showed that he stands on Floyd's side.

Risking punishment

The German Football Association, DFB, announced on Monday that the actions are in violation of the regulations and that the players risk some form of punishment or reprimand.

At the same time, the International Football Federation (FIFA), the regional associations and the national organizations have long worked actively against all forms of racism. So what do you do when your own values ​​are expressed by players but collide with a set of rules that do not allow personal statements during a match?

Fifa balls the hot potato on. In a statement they say:

“Fifa fully understands the deep emotion and concern expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case. Fifa has repeatedly stated resolutely against racism and discrimination of all kinds and recently the rules have been strengthened to help eradicate such behavior. "

The advice to the national unions and leagues is that in the future they "should use common sense and take into account the context of the events".