UEFA has refused to put the LGTBI colors on the Allianz Arena during the match between Germany and Hungary . The body chaired by Aleksander Ceferin, whose motto is Sign for an Equal Game (fight for a fair match) and who defends this cause, rejects the request of the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, to illuminate the Bayern stadium with the colors of the rainbow in the duel of the last day of group F, as a show of solidarity with the Hungarian LGBTI group after the controversial measure approved by their government.
The highest body of European football justifies its decision in its “neutrality” . He assures that he sees a political context in this petition sent by the mayor of Munich in which he said that “it is motivated by a political decision that has been taken by the Hungarian parliament.” Everything is preceded by the decision of the Hungarian Parliament, which approved a controversial regulation that prohibits talking about homosexuality in school programs. Furthermore, Hungary’s foreign minister said it was “extremely harmful and dangerous to mix politics with sport.”
UEFA understands that the intention is also to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion , a cause it has been supporting for many years having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and large numbers. of activities across Europe to promote the ethic that football should be open to everyone. And consequently, UEFA has proposed alternative dates for lighting that better align with existing events, ”explains the body.
UEFA apologizes
From the entity chaired by Ceferin they insist that UEFA “is determined to play its role in positive change and believes that discrimination can only be fought in close collaboration with others. As the governing body of European football, UEFA recognizes that it has an obligation to unite and coordinate the efforts of fans and institutions across Europe, because it is everyone’s responsibility to eliminate discrimination in football.
In addition, they claim that they have launched a campaign for Euro 2020 called Sign for an Equal Game , in which it “encourages fans, players, clubs, national federations and other parties involved in football to join the fight against discrimination. ». » Sign for an Equal Game is the latest installment of the Equal Game campaign, which has taken place over the last four seasons and aims to create a positive social impact under UEFA’s core value, respect. Its main objective is to make people aware that football is for everyone, regardless of who they are, where they come from and how they play.
However, with this decision they show that it is nothing more than an image campaign because at the moment of truth, when fighting for injustices such as the measure taken by the Hungarian parliament, they position themselves against the petition requested by the Munich City Hall. “Racism, homophobia, sexism and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies, and represent one of the biggest problems facing football today. Discriminatory behaviors have clouded the games and, outside the stadiums, the discourse around the sport we love, “he excuses himself.
Against Hungary no, but another day yes
From the body chaired by Ceferin they excuse themselves that it is a political decision and they are a “politically and religiously neutral organization.” “However, UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organization. Given the political context of this specific request – a message aimed at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament – you must reject this request, ”they say in their statement.
After saying no to this proposal, they propose to Munich that they illuminate the Allianz Arena with these colors on another occasion. “However, UEFA has proposed to the city of Munich to illuminate the stadium in rainbow colors on June 28 , Christopher Street Liberation Day, or between July 3 and 9, which is the week of Christopher Street Day in Munich (celebration of gay pride) ». That is to say, another day yes but against the Hungarians it is not possible.
