European football body UEFA hopes for a politics-free Euro 2024, set to take place in Germany next summer.
The organisation’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, emphasises the importance of avoiding the controversies witnessed at the recent Qatar World Cup in 2022.
"I expect a tournament free from controversy, exemplified by the free choice of captain’s armband in all our competitions," Ceferin told German media outlet Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) during this week’s group stages draw in Hamburg, Germany.
His comments addressed the wide-ranging debates that surrounded the "One Love" armband. This symbol against discrimination and inclusion led to a row as seven European countries, including Belgium, were denied the right to wear the colourful band during the 2022 World Cup.
Additionally, FIFA demanded alterations to Belgium’s second jersey, which had the word "Love" inscribed on it.
Belgium's Youri Tielemans celebrates after qualifying for Euro 2024. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
"We do everything in our power to fight against all forms of discrimination and abuse," affirmed the UEFA president. Yet, he cautioned, "Nobody should use the tournament for personal or political purposes."
At the Euro 2024 draw on Saturday, Belgium's Red Devils will meet Romania, Slovakia and the winner of Play-off B - either Israel, Iceland, Bosnia or Ukraine - in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany next summer.
Ceferin also touched on the controversial awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. His hope is not to see a repeat of a World Cup scheduled in winter, like the aforementioned event in Qatar.
"I’m sure of one thing: the World Cup in winter was not good for football and it wouldn’t be wise to repeat it. It creates an overload in the match calendar," he stated.
