In the middle of the brands, a colored heart, a symbol of inclusion and diversity. On the panel installed behind the players at a press conference, the German federation (DFB) replaced the logo of the Rewe brand with that of the “One love” campaign. The supermarket chain had just terminated its partnership with the DFB, six weeks before the initial end of the contract, due to the controversy linked to the abandonment of inclusive armbands.
The federation therefore seized “the chance, in the context of almost daily press conferences in Qatar, to maintain its position on the One Love campaign”, she explained in a press release. Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt were therefore accompanied by the logo in question as they answered questions from journalists.
Manuel Neuer had to, like the captains of six other selections, wear this inclusive armband. No one will wear it after all. The Germans had given up on the threat of possible sporting sanctions. Before the first match against Japan, lost 2-1, the eleven titular players of the Mannschaft had posed for the official photo with their hands in front of their mouths, mimicking a gag against the ban on demonstrating in favor of diversity. A gesture clearly directed against Fifa.
In the gallery, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the “One Love” armband, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
