Freiburg (dpa / lsw) – National player Christian Günter has criticized the award of the 2022 World Cup to the Gulf state of Qatar. The Bundesliga club SC Freiburg professional said in the “11 Freunde” interview that it was a “fundamental mistake” to host the tournament there. “On the one hand, as a footballer, you want to play a World Cup. On the other hand, it’s important to address the abuses there. Human rights must be respected,” said the 28-year-old in Thursday’s edition.
Günter wears a rainbow-colored captain’s armband for the European Cup contenders from Baden-Württemberg. As captain of the national team, Manuel Neuer also wears these colors to promote sexual diversity. Wearing the symbolic colors could be banned in Qatar.
Günter makes the associations responsible. “It starts with UEFA and FIFA. Just think back to the EM 2021, when the Allianz Arena wasn’t allowed to light up in rainbow colors because it’s supposed to be a political statement. It’s not that, it’s a human statement.” , said the left-back ahead of the tournament, which begins on November 21. “It expresses solidarity. It’s the same with statements against racism. As long as there are homophobic or racist incidents, you have to be able to stand up against them.”
Homosexuality is forbidden by law in Qatar. Anyone who makes their homosexuality public can be punished with up to seven years in prison. According to Sharia law, homosexual Muslims in Qatar can even be punished with the death penalty.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:220216-99-152499/2
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