arrest homosexual and transgender citizens and sometimes force them to undergo conversion therapy, a report that Qatar's government said contained false allegations.Regardless of the reports and the message of tolerance the armband promotes, FIFA did not want any teams wearing the armbands, hiding behind regulations that state that participating countries must utilize only the equipment that is provided by the governing body. A letter urging teams to “let football take center stage” was sent by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura ahead of the squad announcements last year, stating: “Please, let’s now focus on the football!” and asking the 32 federations to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”The controversy culminated in the German team, Die Mannschaft, staging a protest, with their hands covering their mouths for a pre-match team photo (see above). German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser even wore the armband as she sat next to Infantino during the game in Doha.If there is a ban, it is unclear what sanctions players may face if they defy it and choose to wear the rainbow or OneLove armbands anyway.
