European football governing body UEFA on Wednesday clarified and declined to portray and light up the ‘rainbow colours’ at the Allianz Arena in Munich due to its political nature.
The portrayal was planned for the game of Group F between Germany and Hungary in Euro 2020. The request came in the form of an application from Munich’s city council. UEFA stated that they have prohibited rainbow lighting to maintain a neutral stance concerning political matters.
UEFA even, in contrast, changed their Twitter DP in ‘rainbow colours and said, “UEFA Respects the Rainbow. Today, UEFA is proud to wear the colours of the rainbow. It is a symbol that embodies our core values, promoting everything that we believe in – a more just and egalitarian society, tolerant of everyone, regardless of their background, belief or gender.”
“Some people have interpreted UEFA’s decision to turn down the city of Munich’s request to illuminate the Munich stadium in rainbow colours for a EURO 2020 match as ‘political’. On the contrary, the request itself was political, linked to the Hungarian football team, presence in the stadium for this evening’s match with Germany. For UEFA, the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society,” UEFA added.
Recently, the Hungarian Government passed very controversial legislation that allowed the government to ban schools that promotes and spreading the content regarding homosexuality and Gender change.
UEFA stopped the investigation into Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s rainbow-coloured captain’s armband during the matches against France and Portugal.
