Denmark are set to hold talks with other UEFA countries over the possibility of leaving FIFA, following the governing body’s decisions in Qatar during the World Cup.
Ahead of the World Cup, seven countries wrote to FIFA to explain their wish to have their captains wear armbands saying ‘One Love,’ in support of LGBTQIA+ rights, during the tournament.
The governing body failed to get back to the teams until the beginning of the competition, with Harry Kane initially set to wear it no matter what FIFA said.
That changed on the eve of England’s opening game, against Iran last Monday, with FIFA claiming that any player wearing the armband would be booked, or potentially face harsher sanctions.
England decided against taking the risk, to the criticism of many, including Roy Keane, with pundit Alex Scott wearing it pitchside instead.
German politician Nancy Faeser also wore the armband, during Germany’s shock loss to Japan, whilst sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The Swiss leader of the governing body may have more pressing issues to worry about after the tournament however, with threats to leave the organisation from some members.
Danish FA (DBU) chairman Jesper Moller has revealed he’s ready for talks with the other 55 UEFA members nations about the possibility.
“It is not a decision that has been made now. We have been clear about this for a long time. We have been discussing it in the Nordic region since August,” Moller said.
“I’ve thought it again. I imagine that there may be challenges if Denmark leaves on its own. But let us see if we cannot have a dialogue on things.
“I have to think about the question of how to restore confidence in FIFA. We must evaluate what has happened, and then we must create a strategy – also with our Nordic colleagues.”
Infantino is set to run for another stint as FIFA president and Moller revealed the Danes aren’t supporting the man who took over from Sepp Blatter.
“There are presidential elections in FIFA. There are 211 countries in FIFA and I understand that the current president has statements of support from 207 countries.
“Denmark is not among those countries. And we’re not going to be either.”
Germany were one of the other teams angry that FIFA decided that there would be punishment for wearing the armband, after the tournament had kicked off.
The 2014 World Cup winners have threatened legal action against the organisation, questioning if FIFA’s actions were even legal.
Ahead of their loss to Japan, the players lined up for their pre match picture and covered their mouths as if they were being silenced, which is no doubt how they feel.
Belgium have also been affected by FIFA’s decisions, and not just because of the armband, actually being stopped from wearing two of their kits.
The team’s white away kit had the word ‘Love’ embroidered into the collar of the shirt and that was enough to see the kit banned from the World Cup.
They were also stopped from wearing their pre match shirt, because it was too colourful, all coming just 48 hours before they kicked off their campaign against Canada on Wednesday night.
Credit: Sport Bible
