Germany players cover mouths in World Cup team photo amid OneLove armband controversy

This was in opposition to FIFA's decision to forbid rainbow-themed armbands

In opposition to FIFA's decision to forbid rainbow-themed armbands. Germany's players covered their mouths during the team photo before their World Cup opener against Japan on Wednesday.

The anti-discrimination armbands were going to be worn by the captains of seven European teams as part of a diversity campaign during the tournament in Qatar. But they decided against it due to the possibility of punishment from the organisation that oversees world football.

The German football association tweeted a snapshot of the team photo shortly after the game began with the following caption: “human rights are not negotiable.”

“We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we hold in the Germany national team: diversity and mutual respect,” the DFB said in a tweet.

“Together with other nations, we wanted our voice to be heard.

“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.

“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”

https://twitter.com/KhelNowWF/status/1595407981817909248

A German government spokesperson earlier on Wednesday called FIFA's decision to forbid players from using the "OneLove" armband "extremely sad."

At a typical press appearance, Steffen Hebestreit declared,“The rights of LGBTQ people are non-negotiable,”

He expressed disappointment that “it is clearly not possible at the Fifa World Cup to take a position or to show a sign of solidarity”, he said. Hebestreit went on to say that the debate over the armband would "positively affect" the perspective of big sports event organisers and football associations on the topic.The rainbow armbands were seen as a protest against Qatar's anti-gay laws, which the country is hosting this year's World Cup.

In an effort to promote unity at the tournament being held by Qatar, several European team captains were planning to wear the insignia as part of a campaign. But they have backout their support out of fear of penalty from FIFA, the organisation that rules world football.

https://twitter.com/KhelNowWF/status/1595410713702330368

Nancy Faeser, the German Minister for the Interior, was planning to attend the game in Doha versus Japan but has since called FIFA's decision to ban her a "big mistake."

She told reporters in Qatar that supporters, like players. Should be able to "openly" display signals of support for the LGBTQ community.

Police at the World Cup has ordered that no one in attendance wear any apparel bearing the rainbow pride flag.

A supporter's "choice for themselves" on whether or not to display the symbols is important, Faeser emphasised.

For example, Belgium's Jan Vertonghen claimed on Tuesday in Qatar that he was "afraid" to talk about human rights, highlighting the tensions surrounding the subject at the tournament. On the eve of Belgium's season-opening match against Canada later on Wednesday, Vertonghen expressed unease. Also, the defender expressed concern that if he spoke out about the issue, he might be ruled out of tomorrow's game.

"This is unlike anything I've ever felt in a football game. Somehow, I've managed to get myself under control. I'm too embarrassed to comment on this.

"If you can't even talk about racism and discrimination. Then you should know that we're not saying anything out of the ordinary.

I'll just leave it at, "Tomorrow, I hope to make an appearance on the pitch."