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- DBU discussing options with other Nordic and European countries
- Denmark latest European nation to hit out at Fifa during World Cup
The Danish Football Association (DBU) has denied it is planning to quit Fifa, though the organisation has reiterated it remains dissatisfied with soccer’s global governing body during the ongoing World Cup.
Reports had emerged that the DBU was discussing whether to withdraw from Fifa alongside other Uefa countries, after seven European sides opted not to wear ‘One Love’ armbands due to Fifa threatening sporting sanctions.
Having had to stand back from its show of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, the DBU’s chief executive Jakob Jensen revealed in a press conference on 23rd November that exiting Fifa could be an option for the organisation.
“It is not a decision that has been made now,” said Jakob. “We have been clear about this for a long time. We have been discussing it in the Nordic region since August.
“I’ve thought it again. I imagine that there may be challenges if Denmark leaves on its own. But let us see if we cannot have a dialogue on things.
“I have to think about the question of how to restore confidence in Fifa. We must evaluate what has happened, and then we must create a strategy – also with our Nordic colleagues.”
Jakob also confirmed the DBU would not formally support the reelection bid of Fifa president Giannini Infantino, who is standing unopposed.
However, DBU head of communications Jakob Hoejer later insisted there had been a ‘misunderstanding’ about any potential Danish exit from Fifa.
‘Some media have made the misunderstanding that DBU will withdraw from Fifa,’ Hoejer told Reuters in a WhatsApp message.
‘That was not said at the press conference. We’re critical and not satisfied and we’ll not vote for the present Fifa-president. We will discuss further actions with our Nordic and European colleagues.’
SportsPro says…
Infantino’s wish for teams to focus on the soccer during the World Cup in Qatar has not come true. This is the most politically charged edition of the tournament in years.
Regardless of what action the DBU may follow through with, and if it is able to convince other Uefa members to follow its lead, the matter further highlights the discontent European nations have towards Fifa.
Only yesterday, for example, German players made their feelings clear on Fifa’s blocking of LGBTQ+ support by covering their mouths while posing for pre-match photos. The German Football Association (DFB) is also considering legal action at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) is furious after fans had rainbow-coloured hats confiscated.
Will Infantino care? It is unlikely. Support from other confederations means his reelection is a formality. However, considering the noise made only five days into the World Cup, further outcry could prompt productive talks between Fifa and European soccer associations over the ‘One Love’ issue. Then again, it would be no surprise if Fifa chose to dig its heels in once more, further increasing hostilities.
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