German football midfielder Ilkay Gundogan called for leaving politics aside and "enjoying and celebrating football," explaining that organizing the World Cup finals in Qatar instilled in Muslims a sense of pride.
The statements of the player of Turkish origin came during an interview with the British newspaper "The Athletic" after the match that brought Germany together with Spain, in the second round of Group E competitions for the "Qatar 2022" World Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Regarding the fact that the German national team players covered their mouths, Gundogan said, "We had a few players who were angry at FIFA, because the team planned some things. The decision to prevent us (from wearing the gay badge) before the start of our match with Japan disappointed a few players." "I frustrated them, so they wanted to do something. There was a discussion in the team, and in the end it was decided that we should send this signal to the International Federation. When you do something, you do it as a team."
German national team players cover their mouths to protest against being banned from wearing homosexual support badges during the Japan match (Reuters)
The Manshaft players covered their mouths in protest at being banned from wearing homosexual support badges, during the match they lost 1-2 against Japan, in the first round.
Muslims are proud of the World Cup "Qatar 2022"
And the Manchester City midfielder added, “Honestly, my personal point of view is that politics is over now. We are here now, and I think Qatar is very proud to host the World Cup, as the first Muslim country as well, and I come from a Muslim family, (hence I can say) that The Muslim community is proud."
Gundogan concluded, "Now is the time to just enjoy and celebrate football, and this is the most important thing."
The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) had called on the teams participating in the World Cup “Qatar 2022” to “focus on football” and stop “distributing moral lessons.” He also refused the Belgium national team’s second shirt.
Because of the word (love) on the inside of the collar, along with the rainbow colors on the edges of the shirt.
And 7 European teams participating in the 2022 World Cup announced their decision to wear gay support badges during matches, in order to avoid sanctions by the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).