The German Football Association and other European national associations wanted to appear during the World Cup in Qatar with the multicolored “One Love” armband as a symbol of diversity and against discrimination. The world association Fifa banned this at very short notice and threatened sporting sanctions. Because the associations adhered to the Fifa instruction, they were also accused of giving in to Fifa President Gianni Infantino. According to reports, the world association had not given a binding statement on how to use the bandage before the tournament.
“In the future we must adapt our behavior towards Fifa and push for answers. You shouldn’t have carried that into the tournament. We shouldn’t let that get that far again,” Neuendorf admitted mistakes and added: “Overall, that kept me very busy personally. One wonders whether it was the right decision.” He continues to believe, “One must make it clear that we also had a sporting mission, and that was to play a successful tournament. We’ve always said we don’t want to endanger individual players or the team.”
Neuendorf pointed out that Fifa had announced that it would set up a permanent office for migrant worker affairs in Doha and that there would be an effective system for paying compensation. “This would not have happened if we, as European associations, had not campaigned emphatically for this to happen. You shouldn’t forget that with all the things we’ve experienced around the band.”