The dispute between FIFA and some European associations comes to a head as a result of the “One Love” discussion. Denmark’s association president has now stated that he is discussing an exit with other nations.
The rift between the World Football Association (FIFA) and some European federations worsens during the World Cup in Qatar. Jesper Möller, chairman of the Danish football association DBU, said at a press conference that he was considering leaving FIFA.
Möller: Dialogue about a possible exit
“It’s not a decision that has been made now. We’ve known about it for a long time. We’ve been discussing it in the Nordic region since August,” said Moller.
Now these thoughts are further advanced. “I’ve reconsidered. I imagine there might be challenges if Denmark goes it alone. But let’s see if we can’t have a dialogue about things,” according to the DBU chairman.
Norway’s association already in April with severe criticism of FIFA
Möller could find a possible comrade-in-arms with the Norwegian Football Association. President Lise Klaveness sharply criticized the world association and its chairman Gianni Infantino in a speech at the FIFA Congress in April.
Norway’s federation “support any initiative to safeguard the core values of football, human rights and anti-discrimination”, said the former Norway international at the time. You can through football “Dreams inspire and break down barriers. But only if the leaders act correctly and at the highest level.”
Escalation over “One Love” pads
The new escalation follows the dispute over the “One Love” armbands that captains of seven UEFA nations wanted to wear at the World Cup. But FIFA had banned the wearing of these bandages at short notice and threatened with sporting penalties.
Infantino faces re-election as FIFA President
Möller then accused FIFA of “bullying methods” and stated that the DBU would not officially support the current President Gianni Infantino in his re-election. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf had previously announced the same thing.
However, this will probably not prevent the controversial FIFA President from being re-elected. Infantino will be the sole candidate for FIFA President in the March 16, 2023 election in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.