‘We are not politicians’, says Kimmich amid Saudi Arabia controversy

Joshua Kimmich, the new captain of the German national football team, has emphasized the role of players as role models who should stand for core values, while acknowledging that they are not political experts. His comments come as Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup raises questions due to human rights concerns. Kimmich suggested that there are limits to the political influence athletes can exert, noting that players are primarily judged on their performance on the field.

Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kimmich admitted that Germany’s political stance may have affected the team’s focus and overall experience. The German squad notably covered their mouths in a team photo before their match against Japan, a protest against FIFA’s decision to ban the “OneLove” armband, which symbolizes diversity and tolerance. This gesture was Germany’s response to FIFA’s threat of sanctions, a move that did not sit well with some critics.

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Kimmich acknowledged that Western countries often project their values as universal but suggested that Germany, like other nations, has its own domestic challenges to address. He expressed hope that future players participating in the 2034 World Cup would be able to concentrate on football rather than off-field controversies.

Saudi Arabia remains the sole candidate for the 2034 World Cup, with human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, opposing the bid due to the country’s record on human rights. The Saudi government, however, refutes these criticisms, citing national security and the rule of law as priorities.