UEFA drops investigation into Neuer’s rainbow armband

The Union of European Football Federations (UEFA) has dropped its investigation of German men’s national team captain Manuel Neuer over a rainbow armband he wore during two games this month at the European championships. 

The armband, a symbol of inclusion and support for the LGBTQ community, was determined to be for a good cause in a letter UEFA sent to the German soccer federation. 

Political statements and symbols are not allowed at the European tournament.

But the decision had high meaning given anti-LGBTQ actions that have taken place in the world of soccer. 

Anti-LGBTQ banners were reported in the Hungarian crowd during one of its matches. 

Hungary’s government recently passed a law prohibiting the sharing with minors of any content that portrays homosexuality or gender reassignment. This had stirred controversy in other European countries, including Germany. 

Germany is set to play Hungary this week in the tournament. The match will take place in Germany.

The German men’s national team shared a message on Twitter confirming that UEFA has dropped its case on the goalkeeper’s armband.

“UEFA have today shared with the DFB that they have stopped the review of the rainbow captain’s armband worn by @Manuel_Neuer,” the German Football Association said in a tweet.

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

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter said on Sunday that he is going to ask UEFA for permission to have their stadium lit up in LGBTQ rainbow colors for their match against Hungary.

Neuer, who plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, has worn the armband during Germany’s first two Euro matches against France and Portugal.