Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Kimmich on Saudi WC vote: Players aren't experts

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Wednesday, 13 November 2024 08:14

Germany players should stand for values as role models in society but are no political experts, new captain Joshua Kimmich said on Wednesday ahead of next month's vote for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup.

Asked about politics in sport with Saudi Arabia's bid set to be picked for the World Cup amid human rights concerns, Kimmich said there was a limit to the scope of players' influence.

"In general us players should stand for specific values, especially as the captain of the national team. But it is not our job to express ourselves politically all the time," Kimmich told a news conference.

Kimmich was speaking ahead of Group A3 leaders Germany's Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday and Hungary three days later.

Kimmich, who took over the captaincy after this year's European Championship, said Germany had not benefited from their political stance during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"Look at the issue of Qatar. We did not present an overall good picture as a team and country. We expressed political opinions and it took a bit away from the joy of the tournament. It was an outstanding World Cup in terms of organisation," he said.

Germany players placed their hands over their mouths during a team photo ahead of their group game against Japan at that World Cup following a row over world soccer body FIFA's threat of sanctions over a "OneLove" armband.

FIFA had threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the armband symbolising diversity and tolerance but only Germany publicly opposed that decision with that move. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.

"Western countries represent views which we think are universal and should be true everywhere. We as a country are feeling that we also have problems, our own building sites," Kimmich said. "So it is maybe good to focus on that."

"In the past we did not do everything right, you want to stand for values that are non-negotiable but we have people who should deal with politics and they are the experts. I am no political expert."

Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for the 2034 World Cup ahead of the FIFA Congress vote next month. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have opposed this over the country's human rights record.

"I would wish that those lads who will take part in the tournament in 10 year time can focus on the competition. After all it is our duty to do our best when nominated because we are measured on results," Kimmich said.

Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

Read 28 times

Soccer

Leicester's Van Nistelrooy 'hurt' by Man United exit

Leicester's Van Nistelrooy 'hurt' by Man United exit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRuud van Nistelrooy was disappointed to leave Manchester United aft...

Arteta: Amorim fingerprints already on Man United

Arteta: Amorim fingerprints already on Man United

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has said Ruben Amorim has already put his "fingerprint...

Ancelotti backs Mbappé for shirking penalty

Ancelotti backs Mbappé for shirking penalty

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCarlo Ancelotti has backed Kylian Mbappé for not taking a penalty k...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

L.A. rethinking LeBron's 82-game goal amid slump

L.A. rethinking LeBron's 82-game goal amid slump

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMINNEAPOLIS -- With LeBron James in the midst of his worst outside...

Nets forward Johnson (ankle) sitting out vs. Bulls

Nets forward Johnson (ankle) sitting out vs. Bulls

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- The depleted Brooklyn Nets played without key forward Ca...

Baseball

Sources: Chapman, Red Sox agree on 1-year deal

Sources: Chapman, Red Sox agree on 1-year deal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVeteran reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agre...

Rays respond to county ultimatum: Deal 'in effect'

Rays respond to county ultimatum: Deal 'in effect'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsIn response to an ultimatum from the Pinellas County (Fla.) Commiss...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated