Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the German national soccer players for their "clear" signal against the world association FIFA at the World Cup in Qatar.
Before the first game against Japan (1: 2), the professionals of the DFB selection covered their mouths for the team photo after FIFA had banned the wearing of the "One Love" captain's armband.
"I was happy that our footballers wanted to set an example for an open society," said Scholz (SPD) in a "Focus" interview.
"And it remains to be said: The players of the German team have found a way to send a clear signal."
In the stands, Home Secretary Nancy Faeser wore the "One Love" armband during the Japan game and also sat next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Scholz left open whether he would travel to Qatar himself.
"I'll decide that when the time comes," answered the Chancellor when asked about travel plans should Germany reach the final.
The DFB selection is currently threatened with being eliminated in the preliminary rounds.
Similarly evasive, Scholz replied to the question of whether he would wear the "One Love" bandage: "Everything in its own time."