Seven teams participating in the World Cup planned to wear an armband in support of the LGBTQIA+ fight during their matches. FIFA, eager to please the host country where homosexuality is prohibited by law, prevented the use of the accessory under the threat of fines and yellow cards for any players wearing it.
The Germany team took the field for the first time on Wednesday, November 23, and during the traditional team photo before the match, all players covered their mouths with their hands in protest against FIFA’s ban.
In the stands, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, dressed comfortably in a sleeveless red top and without a veil, wore the banned armband on her left arm.
Faeser and her gesture of courage and boldness have already made history in this World Cup, which has been surrounded by controversies since Qatar was chosen as the host country in 2010.
Read more: Qatar: The Controversies Surrounding the World Cup Host Nation