German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf has criticized FIFA for its attempts to restrict national teams’ political activities when it comes to human rights.
Speaking at Germany’s first news conference in Qatar ahead of the World Cup, Neuendorf said on Friday he was particularly annoyed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s letter two weeks ago urging teams to “focus on the football” and leave political issues aside.
“That the topic of human rights should now no longer play a role, that we are now concentrating here on football only, that irritated us to a certain extent and disturbed us,” Neuendorf said.
Canada’s Alphonso Davies lands as Doha heats up ahead of World Cup kickoff
He added the federation had to send a signal to show it will not be silenced.
Neuendorf also referred to FIFA’s decision to ban the Denmark team from bearing the slogan “Human Rights For All” on training jerseys.
“That was declared as a political statement and therefore prohibited,” Neuendorf said. “We’re not talking about a political decision that can be made one way or the other with a slogan like ‘Human Rights For All.’ It’s about human rights. And human rights are universal and binding all over the world.”
Neuendorf said Germany was cooperating with other European federations who want their captains to wear an armband with a rainbow heart design during World Cup games to protest against discrimination.
“It’s not a political statement, because it’s a statement for human rights,” said Neuendorf, who added if it was banned, “I would be quite prepared to accept a fine as well.”
Qatar bans sale of beer at World Cup stadiums in about-face
Qatar banned the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums on Friday, a sudden U-turn on the deal the conservative Muslim emirate made to secure the soccer tournament with only two days to go before the opening game.
The move was the latest sign of the tension of staging the event, which is not just a sports tournament but also a monthlong party, in the autocratic country where the sale of alcohol is heavily restricted. It’s also a significant blow to World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser and raised questions about how much control FIFA retains over its tournament. It was a stunning reversal – and a potential breach of a US$75-million contract – for Budweiser’s parent company, AB InBev, and a brand that has been served at the World Cup for 36 years.
When Qatar launched its bid to host the World Cup, the country agreed to FIFA’s requirements of selling alcohol in stadiums – but the details were only released in September, just 11 weeks before the first kickoff, suggesting how fraught the negotiations may have been.
Friday’s statement from FIFA said alcohol-free Bud Zero will still be sold inside the stadium grounds at the 64 games, while Champagne, wine, whiskey and other alcohol will be served in the luxury hospitality areas of the arenas. At a cost of US$3,000 a ticket, fans will be able to enjoy high-end alcoholic drinks and fine food in the luxurious hospitality lounges, suites and restaurants at the eight stadiums built and renovated for soccer’s biggest event. For US$950 a person, clients of long-time FIFA partner Match Hospitality will be served wine, beer and “street food on the move” in a tented village next to the stadium.
But the vast majority of ticket holders don’t have access to those areas; they will be able to drink alcoholic beer in the evenings in what is known as the FIFA Fan Festival, a designated party area that also offers live music and activities.
As the news broke, Budweiser’s Twitter account tweeted: “Well, this is awkward …” without elaborating. The tweet was later deleted.
Qatar, which is governed by a hereditary emir who has absolute say over all governmental decisions, follows an ultraconservative form of Islam known as Wahhabism like neighboring Saudi Arabia. In recent years, Qatar has transformed into an ultra-modern hub following a natural gas boom in the 1990s, but it has faced pressure from within to stay true to its Islamic heritage and Bedouin roots.
Islam forbids the consumption of alcohol, and several Muslim residents of Qatar cheered the decision on Friday, noting that visitors should respect the country’s customs.
Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Myriam Fares release anthem
Hip-hop star Nicki Minaj has teamed up with Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares for the latest addition to the official soundtrack of the World Cup in Qatar. The single Tukoh Taka, with lyrics in English, Spanish and Arabic, was released on Friday, two days ahead of the start of the tournament. It’s the latest in a series of songs by artists from around the world released as part of FIFA’s official soundtrack of the 2022 World Cup. Maluma and Myriam Fares will perform at the opening of the FIFA fan festival in Doha on Saturday.
Italian referee Orsato picked to officiate opener
Italian referee Daniele Orsato was chosen Friday to handle the opening game of the World Cup. FIFA picked Orsato for Sunday’s match between host Qatar and Ecuador, describing him as “one of Europe’s most experienced referees.” He turns 47 on Wednesday. Until 2016, FIFA imposed a mandatory age limit of 45 on match officials for international games. Orsato, who was a video review official at the last World Cup, refereed the 2020 Champions League final when Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0. He worked three games at last year’s European Championship, which was won by his home country. Italian referees have one of the best reputations in the modern era of World Cups, handling two of the past five finals.
Spain calls up Balde to replace injured Gaya
Spain called up Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde to replace injured left back Jose Gaya on Friday, less than a week before the team’s opening World Cup match against Costa Rica. The 19-year-old Balde has had a breakout season at Barcelona, playing both on the left and right side of the defense. He is now set to make his senior debut at the biggest soccer tournament in the world after having only debuted for Spain’s under-21 team in September. Gaya had to leave Spain’s team on Friday, two days after the Valencia defender injured his right ankle in practice. Balde and club teammate Jordi Alba will now be Spain coach Luis Enrique’s two left backs. Balde has started most matches for Barcelona this season ahead of the 33-year-old Alba.
The Associated Press