Politics on the Pitch: How Football Shows its Colours

In football, it's not just the players who carry the game, but also the symbols they present. Armbands are becoming political statements, and we see this particularly at major tournaments, such as the recent Men's World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Controversies surrounding captain's armbands brought the political dimension of sport to the fore when FIFA banned the wearing of rainbow armbands and the "One Love" armband and threatened sanctions.

You might be wondering what this means? It's about sport positioning itself not only on the pitch, but also in society. The Women's World Cup showed a more positive development, with players wearing armbands with social messages, such as the German captain Alexandra Popp, who spoke out against violence against women with a blue armband.

Utilising the Power of Sport

It is clear that sports clubs can play an important role in the fight against right-wing extremism. This is why the initiative of the Munich Sports Youth (MSJ) is so important. It has launched a logo campaign under the motto "Munich sports clubs for diversity & tolerance - club(s) against right-wing extremism". The aim is to send a strong signal for solidarity and cohesion and to motivate all sports clubs to participate.

Standing Together: In the Stadium and Beyond

What the MSJ emphasises is the political potential of sport. It offers a stage to make values such as tolerance, diversity and democracy visible - especially for young people, who are shaping the future of this country. There is enormous potential for solidarity and cohesion in sports clubs, which should be utilised to promote social change.

Your Move: Get Involved!

You are in demand! Whether you are active on the pitch or supporting your team as a fan - everyone can make a contribution. Take part in the MSJ campaign and show that football is for everyone and that right-wing extremism has no place in our society. Spread the message in your neighbourhood and strengthen the values that unite us all.

Set an example for diversity and tolerance here.

By getting involved in and around football, we are working together to build a democratic society in which each and every individual counts. Let's celebrate sport and at the same time stand up for what is right - on and off the pitch.

Sources

1. https://www.fcviktoria.com/post/armbinden-sind-ein-politikum

2. https://www.msj.de/vereint-gegen-rechtsextremismus/