World Cup 2022: Germany’s players cover mouths during team photo to protest FIFA’s rainbow armband rule

Because of FIFA's restrictions on players wearing OneLove rainbow armbands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the German football association (DFB) has taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In a protest to FIFA's rule over the armband meant to support the LGBTQ+ community, the German players covered their lips in a team picture taken before their 2-1 defeat to Japan.

On Wednesday, Germany played against Japan. Before the game, FIFA warned the DFB of "severe" athletic fines if they breached tournament regulations by allowing their captain to wear the OneLove armband, which promotes diversity and inclusion. The DFB told German captain Manuel Neuer not to wear the rainbow armband during the game.

If CAS rules quickly against the suspension's legality, Neuer might continue to wear the captain's armband for Germany's next game against Spain on Sunday. CAS has set up a special ad hoc branch for this World Cup to ensure that applications are processed within 48 hours.



Germany's players protested by covering their lips as they sought to wear the rainbow armband during their team's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Japan at the Khalifa Stadium.

Remarkably, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore a OneLove armband as she cheered on her team from the VIP section beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Moreover, German supermarket chain REWE severed ties with the DFB on Tuesday due to the issue over the team's armbands.

FAQ:

1. Where is FIFA World Cup 2022 scheduled?
   FIFA World Cup 2022 is scheduled in Qatar.
2. How long will FIFA World Cup 2022 run?
   FIFA World Cup 2022 will run from November 18 to December 20.