German soccer boss criticizes FIFA on human rights campaigns

FILE -- Fans display a banner during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Normally when the World Cup comes around, Germans proudly fly their countrys flag and enthusiastically back their team. Not this time. People boycotting the tournament and many fans say they wont watch in protest against human rights abuses in Qatar.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner,file)

FILE -- Fans display a banner during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Normally when the World Cup comes around, Germans proudly fly their countrys flag and enthusiastically back their team. Not this time. People boycotting the tournament and many fans say they wont watch in protest against human rights abuses in Qatar.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner,file)

AL-RUWAIS, Qatar (AP) German soccer federation president Bernd Neuendorf has criticized FIFA for its attempts to restrict national teams political activities when it comes to human rights.

Speaking at Germanys first news conference in Qatar ahead of theWorld Cup, Neuendorf said on Friday he was particularly annoyed by FIFA presidentGianni Infantinos lettertwo weeks ago urging teams to focus on the football and leave political issues aside.

That the topic of human rights should now no longer play a role, that we are now concentrating here on football only, that irritated us to a certain extent and disturbed us, Neuendorf said.

He added the federation had to send a signal to show it will not be silenced.

Neuendorf also referred to FIFAs decision to ban the Denmark team from bearing the slogan Human Rights For All on training jerseys.

That was declared as a political statement and therefore prohibited, Neuendorf said. Were not talking about a political decision that can be made one way or the other with a slogan like Human Rights For All. Its about human rights. And human rights are universal and binding all over the world.

Neuendorf said Germany was cooperating with other European federations who want their captains to wear anarmbandwith a rainbow heart design during World Cup games to protest against discrimination.

Its not a political statement, because its a statement for human rights, said Neuendorf, who added if it was banned, I would be quite prepared to accept a fine as well.