DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has admitted mistakes in dealing with the “One Love” captain’s armband. “I would have acted earlier today. I would have had to seek direct contact with Infantino to get clarity. That’s what I learned,” said Neuendorf on Tuesday (December 13, 2022) during a press conference.
The discussion about the captain’s armband, which was intended to set an example for diversity and against discrimination, caused controversial discussions immediately before and after the opening game, which was lost 2-1 to Japan, according to information from the sports show also within the German national team.
Neuendorf defends withdrawal from “One Love” bandage
After the world association FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, announced “unlimited sporting sanctions” to the English association, which had also planned to wear the bandage, the German Football Association (DFB) also backed down.
Neuendorf defended this decision: “I’ve thought about it a lot. We would have made the same decision today.” In justification, the President said that “sporting success should not be jeopardized”. In addition to England and Germany, five other European associations had announced that they wanted to wear the “One Love” armband. But then everyone withdrew collectively.
DFB decides against campaign
A campaign is said to have been presented to the DFB months before the World Cup, with which a clear signal should be sent before the tournament begins on November 20th for human rights, which according to reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are constantly being violated in Qatar. This campaign, which was titled “Right now, rights here” according to information from the sports show, had long been rated as good by the association. In September, however, the decision was made for the “One Love” bandage.
In September, the DFB asked FIFA whether the bandage with a brightly colored heart would be considered a political symbol. Such marks on equipment are prohibited under FIFA regulations. The world association, as the DFB had already explained during the time in Qatar, only spoke out shortly before the start of the tournament and threatened penalties without naming them specifically. The World Cup began for England on Monday (November 22nd, 2022), for the DFB selection one day later.
Newly founded DFB working group
Like four years before in Russia, Germany was eliminated after the first round of the World Cup in Qatar. As a consequence, the contract with the managing director of DFB GmbH, who is responsible for the national teams, was terminated. However, national coach Hansi Flick was given the vote of confidence.
Looking ahead, Neuendorf said the DFB will continue to promote the values it stands for. He did not name any concrete plans in this regard. A DFB working group that has now been set up, which also includes General Secretary Heike Ullrich and Philipp Lahm, will probably also discuss this. World champion Lahm is head of the organizing committee that is hosting the 2024 European Championships in Germany.