The Danish national team wanted to protest Qatar’s many human rights abuses by wearing practice jerseys that said “human rights for all” at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
But FIFA reportedly rejected the team’s uniform request, saying the shirts fell in the category of jerseys sporting political messages — which the organization prohibits during the World Cup.
“We believe the message ‘human rights for all’ is universal and not a political call, but something everyone can support,” Jakob Jensen, the Danish Football Association’s chief executive, said in response.
Denmark, however, has still found other ways to protest Qatar’s human rights track record through their kits. Hummel created three different monochrome kits that make it difficult to spot FIFA logos.
“We don’t wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives,” Hummel wrote on Twitter.
England will also wear “OneLove” armbands as a subtle protest of Qatar’s policies.
While FIFA actively discourages any political messages during the World Cup, multiple groups have spoken out against Qatar’s draconian laws.
LGBTQ groups plan to protest the tournament, and human rights organizations have heavily criticized Qatar for its dismal treatment of migrant workers who built many of the facilities used during the World Cup.
In response, Qatar has created a program to disseminate positive propaganda on social media.
