Denmark will wear kits at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to protest against the human rights record of host nation Qatar. The designers of the new strips, Hummel, made the revelation after unveiling them on Wednesday.
Opinions on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have been varied due to both the host nation's record on human rights and the tournament's unique start schedule. Ahead of the mundial, it has been reported that LGBTQ+ persons are being persecuted in the Middle Eastern nation where migrant labourers have been mistreated while constructing stadiums for the tournament.
Qatar's Supreme Committee on Delivery and Legacy had previously revealed that only 36 workers on World Cup projects they oversee have died since 2015, but the number is estimated to be in the 'thousands' by Amnesty International'. This, coupled with other controversial factors, have facilitated calls for the tournament to be boycotted outrightly. Contrary to this, it is expected to go on as per the schedule although several Western countries participating at the tournament are hoping to make statements and challenge the status quo in their own little way.
Denmark had in the past said they will put "extra pressure" on Fifa over human rights concerns in the build-up to the World Cup and the statement with their official kit seems to be one of the tactics employed. They will feature in games while wearing their traditional red home jerseys and an all white kits. However, this time, Hummel claim that they will be plain, with any logos and inscriptions hidden. According tot the sportswear giants, this is due to the fact they wish 'not to be visible' at the event.
"With the Danish national team's new jerseys, we wanted to send a dual message," they posted on Instagram.
"They are not only inspired by Euro 92, paying tribute to Denmark's greatest football success, but also a protest against Qatar and its human rights record.
"That's why we've toned down all the details for Denmark's new World Cup jerseys, including our logo and iconic chevrons.
"We don't wish to be visible during a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives. We support the Danish national team all the way, but that isn't the same as supporting Qatar as a host nation.
"We believe that sport should bring people together. And when it doesn't, we want to make a statement."
Denmark's decisiom comes a week after it was revealed England captain Harry Kane plans to wear a OneLove armband during the World Cup. This forms part of a campaign started by the Netherlands in support of diversity and inclusion, and a stand against discrimination. Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Wales and Switzerland are also advocates of the initiative.
