It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position. pic.twitter.com/tiQKuE4XV7
After FIFA threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the OneLove armband symbolising diversity and tolerance, Germany players placed their hands over their mouths during a team photo ahead of their game against Japan in a World Cup Group E match on Wednesday (November 23). "Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position," tweeted the German football team.