Published: June 22, 2021 5:11 pm
Last Updated: June 22, 2021 7:41 pm
UEFA not a political or religious organisation
Earlier on Tuesday, UEFA rejected a request from the city of Munich, Germany, to light up the Allianz arena in Rainbow colours.
UEFA on Tuesday rejected plans by the city of Munich to light the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Germany-Hungary Euro 2020 match in support of the LGBT community and to protest at a law passed by the Hungarian government. https://t.co/9vUAOtUvpy
— The Local Germany (@TheLocalGermany) June 22, 2021
The intended plan was to stand in solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to the latest law passed in Hungary.
The law in question, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality to minors (people under the age of 18), meaning that educational facilities such as schools and colleges cannot teach students about homosexuality, pansexuality, or bisexuality.
However, UEFA’s response said that:
“UEFA is a politically and religiously neutral organisation.”
“Given the political context of this request – a message aimed at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament – UEFA must refuse.”
Many were quick to point to the organisation’s commitment to diversity and equality which they tweeted in 2019, a year before the tournament was due to start.
Proud that #EURO2020 will be a tournament for everyone 🌈 #EqualGame https://t.co/zzNv7CbbX9
— UEFA (@UEFA) August 3, 2019
This is the second altercation that Germany have had with UEFA so far this tournament, with Manuel Neuer coming under scrutiny for wearing a rainbow captains armband, showing his support of Pride.
UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain’s armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer.
In a letter, the armband has been assessed as a team symbol for diversity and thus for a ‘good cause.’ #EURO2020 #GER pic.twitter.com/HFiAAQ6F5D
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 20, 2021
While they did eventually relent, many were surprised that the issue was even considered worthy of investigation in the first place.
Clubs fight back
Although Munich will not be lit up in rainbow colours ahead, several other clubs have stepped into the breach.
“The rest of the Bundesliga should do what Munich isn’t allowed to.”
UEFA has reportedly banned Munich from lighting up the stadium in rainbow colors for Germany’s #EURO2020 game vs. Hungary.
In response, the stadiums in Frankfurt & Cologne will present the 🏳️🌈 during the game. pic.twitter.com/TmkCQkh29j
— Felix Tamsut (@ftamsut) June 22, 2021
Stadiums in both Frankfurt and Cologne will show the rainbow flag during the game, and they will be joined by fellow Bundesliga clubs Hertha Berlin, VFL Wolfsburg and FC Augsburg.
Hertha Berlin’s Olympiastadion, VfL Wolfsburg’s ground and FC Augsburg’s Arena will join Cologne’s Müngersdorfer Stadion and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Waldstadion and light up in rainbow flag colors during Germany’s #EURO2020 game vs. Hungary.
pic.twitter.com/hxxwsFTCFT— Felix Tamsut (@ftamsut) June 22, 2021
Outside of Germany too, clubs showed their support, including Barcelona, who tweeted the importance of inclusivity.
PRIDE & RESPECT pic.twitter.com/EwTCe2oaGr
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 22, 2021
It remains to be seen whether Munich will take UEFA up on their offer to light the stadium in rainbow colours on another occasion that isn’t so politically charged, but they certainly have achieved awareness even without the action itself.
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This article was edited by
Josh Barker.
