The news that the German FA could have faced a fine from Uefa was widely criticised.
Manuel Neuer and the German Football Association (DFB) were investigated over the goalkeeper’s decision to wear a rainbow captain’s armband at Euro 2020.
Neuer has worn the armband in both of Germany’s games at the tournament as a show of support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Uefa prohibits political statements from players and teams, hence why an investigation may now be launched. A report from NTV has claimed the DFB could be fined for Neuer’s armband, which he also wore in a pre-tournament warmup fixture against Latvia.
It is currently Pride Month, and Munich’s Allianz Arena is set to light up in rainbow colours for Germany’s final group game against Hungary later this week.
Unsurprisingly, the news that Germany face a potential Uefa investigation has attracted plenty of criticism.
Christian Rudolph, a board member of LSVD (the German Lesbian and Gay Federation) has described it as “unacceptable”.
“It is a fatal sign,” he said. “We are currently in Pride Month and at the most important sporting event of the month should the wearing of a rainbow captain’s armband be prevented?
“Uefa also needs to think about who it represents. How should the athletes think about it now? We are committed to open football.
“And this month we also want to send a signal to all the athletes from the LGBTI community. It was important to us that Neuer can wear the rainbow captain’s armband for the entire month. These are now the values that the DFB represents.”
UEFA soon came to their senses, deeming the arm-band as something in the name of a ‘good cause.’
UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain's armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer.
In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a 'good cause.' #EURO2020 #GER pic.twitter.com/HFiAAQ6F5D
— germanfootball_dfb (@DFB_Team_EN) June 20, 2021
