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Arenal star Granit Xhaka has voiced his opinion on Germany’s protest before their 2022 World Cup opener against Japan in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: FIFA’S STANCE
World football governing body, FIFA, has continued to maintain its stance on preventing players from wearing OneLove armbands at the World Cup, which is a direct agreement to the laws of the host nation, Qatar.
However, that stance has been met with widespread criticism from several nations at the tournament. Moments before their opener against Japan, the German National team took their protests to another level when they decided to cover their mouths during the team photo.
THE LATEST: XHAKA’S REACTION
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka insists his side will not follow Germany’s protest at the World Cup and says he is not in Qatar to “police anyone”.
The Arsenal midfielder, being Switzerland’s captain, was also due to wear the OneLove armband for Switzerland but the 30-year-old believes players ‘need to respect the rules’ following FIFA’s last-minute U-turn.
Xhaka replied: “I don’t think we need to do anything as the Swiss team.
“We need to respect the rules and concentrate on our football, that’s all I intend to do.
“We’re here to play football and not hand out lessons to anyone.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright praised German’s decision to protest.
“I am delighted for them because they have done something, and it is on a global stage,’” Wright told ITV.
“It is a global moment for the LGBTQ community to see that people are standing in solidarity with them and that is fantastic. I hope the other teams maybe do the same.”
THE VERDICT: WELL SAID
Xhaka has simply spoken well and is now left for FIFA to address the issue going forward in subsequent tournaments. Now, it is time for the midfielder and his team to face the work at hand.
