World Cup Protests: FIFA The Only Symbol They Care About Is Printed On Green Paper

The Pernambuco flag has a rainbow on a blue background at its top. It also has a star, a sun and a red cross on a white ribbon. It is a colorful mixture of symbolism that refers to the strength, energy and union of the inhabitants of the Brazilian northeastern state.

But not everyone understands the same thing, especially if you are a Qatari guard. Last Monday, a couple of journalists were intervened when they posed with the banner in front of one of the World Cup stadiums. His attempts to convince the agents that he was not an LGTBI symbol were unsuccessful. “They took the flag, threw it to the ground and stepped on it,” said the press men.

It’s not just sporting surprises that are making their mark at Qatar 2022; the mark of the protests is deeper and deeper. Before their debut against England, Iran’s players decided not to sing their anthem because of the persecution suffered by women in their country who refuse to wear the headscarf. In the stands, some fans shed tears moved by the gesture.

Acts like this, however, are not valued in the same way. Many consider them empty demonstrations, even hypocritical, lacking in practicality. To do this, they hide behind article 60 of the FIFA stadium security regulations, which prohibits “the promotion or announcement by any means of political or religious messages.”

Manuel Neuer, captain of the German team, was prohibited from appearing with the LGTBI One love bracelet before facing Japan. The excise was the norm of yore. By way of protest, the starting eleven posed before the cameras covering their mouths. The goalkeeper, somehow, managed to dribble the ban: he wore boots in the colors of the rainbow. The German federation has already announced that it will file a claim against FIFA before the CAS. All indications indicate that for the highest soccer entity on the planet, the defense of human rights or the rejection of discrimination constitute political messages.

Two years ago, when our country was shaken by a series of public demonstrations as a result of the closure of Congress, there was pressure for the team to do something in consideration of the victims when it was their turn to play with Argentina. His then coach, Juan Cominges, was even accused of “disengaging” the players due to his insistence on trying to convince them. Finally, both paintings only kept a minute of silence. After the 2-0 loss, some voices had no better idea than to blame ‘Juanchi’ for the debacle.

For millions of people who live permanently defenseless, subjected to the rule of vertical and abusive regimes, these kinds of gestures help make them visible and light a little light of hope in the gloom in which they survive. However, making FIFA understand the powerful value of these symbolisms is a waste of time. The only symbol they care about is printed on green paper and has George Washington’s face in the center. They salivate for him.

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