German players cover mouths in protest
The starting 11 for Germany posed for photos covering their mouths before the match with Japan in a sign of protest.
Several European team captains had planned to wear "OneLove" armbands during the tournament as a protest against Qatar's anti-LGBTQ laws. However, FIFA cracked down on the teams' decision and promised to immediately hand out yellow cards to any player violating the rules on uniform.
![](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/a860ee5e-f174-4b35-8338-9318ca23f167/germany-mouths_hpEmbed_20221123-100008_3x2.jpg)
Also, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser was pictured wearing the armband while watching in the stands, alongside embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino. She had previously said she might not even attend the World Cup due to concerns over human rights.
![PHOTO: German Football Federation President Bernd Neuendorf talks to German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wearing the One Love armband on the tribune prior to the World Cup group E soccer match between Germany and Japan, in Qatar, Nov. 23, 2022.](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/72c43521-b219-4577-8da7-be37cc92cfc7/german-minister_hpEmbed_20221123-100522_3x2.jpg)
-ABC News' Guy Davies