International: Chelsea star Kai Havertz has aimed a dig at FIFA as Germany lose 2-1 against Japan
Chelsea star and Germany international Kai Havertz has aimed a dig at FIFA after football’s highest governing body banned the ‘OneLove’ armband prior to kick-off.
Multiple European nations, including Germany, had planned to don the ‘OneLove’ armband but were not allowed to do so by FIFA. The Germans did protest against the decision, covering their mouths in the team photo, indicating that they have been silenced.
The rainbow armband was to be worn by the captains of select nations as a symbol of inclusivity and anti-discrimination, but none were allowed to do so. Homosexuality is banned by law in host nation Qatar.
Germany went on to suffer a shock defeat in their opening group-stage game against Japan. The Asian side beat the four-time World Cup winners 2-1 to put an ned to a dramatic night.
Havertz started the game as he was tasked to lead the line. The 23-year-old had a relatively quiet game and was ultimately subbed off in the 79th minute. When quizzed about his country’s decision to protest this is what the German had to say as quoted in Wettfreunde (h/t Metro):
“Yeah, of course it’s important for us to do a statement like this. Yeah, I think we spoke about the game what we can do and for us it was the right thing to do. To show the people that that yeah, we try to help wherever we can. And, of course, FIFA makes [it] not easy for us. But we tried to show that now, with that.”
The Chelsea man is expected to play an important role for his side in the tournament. The 23-year-old has struggled in front of goal this season but is known to come clutch when it matters the most. He did score the only goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2021.
While FIFA is highly unlikely to reverse its decision, Havertz will have his focus on the next game. The Germans will take on Spain this Sunday (27 November), and anything less than a win could be trouble for them.
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Havertz is likely to start again and will hope to get on the scoresheet. There’s a lot of debate surrounding him whenever he is tasked with playing up front in attack so a goal will be perfect to shut the critics up.
