Germany captain Joshua Kimmich says he and his teammates should not have “expressed political opinions” during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The captains of seven European nations planned to wear ‘OneLove’ armbands symbolizing diversity and tolerance during the tournament, as homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.
After world governing body FIFA threatened sanctions against players wearing the armbands, Germany’s players covered their mouths with their hands during a team photo before their opening match loss to Japan.
“We wanted to convey the message that FIFA silences the teams,” then-coach Hansi Flick said after the match.
Speaking ahead of Germany’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, Kimmich said he regretted making the gesture.
“In general, we players must defend specific values, especially as captain of the national team. But it is not our job to express ourselves politically all the time,” Kimmich said at a news conference.
“Look at the issue of Qatar. We did not present a good overall image as a team and country. We expressed political opinions and that took a bit of the joy out of the tournament. It was an exceptional World Cup in terms of organization.
“Western countries represent points of view that we believe are universal and should be valid everywhere. We, as a country, feel that we also have problems, our own construction sites. So maybe it is good to focus on that.
“In the past we did not do everything well, one wants to defend values that are not negotiable, but we have people who should deal with politics and they are the experts. I am not a political expert.”
Kimmich’s comments came after he was asked about the 2034 World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will be confirmed as hosts in a FIFA Congress vote next month as the only candidates.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern about the country’s human rights record and the treatment of migrant workers on construction sites.
“I would like the guys who will participate in the tournament in 10 years to be able to concentrate on the competition. After all, it is our duty to do our best when we are nominated, because we are measured by results,” Kimmich said.
Saudi Arabia denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.
Germany will play Bosnia-Herzegovina and Hungary on Saturday and Tuesday respectively in Group A3 of the UEFA Nations League.
