Before their opening match against on November 23, 2022, all 11 German starters covered their mouths with their right hands during the official team photo at Khalifa International Stadium . This symbolic gesture was a response to FIFA’s last-minute threat of "sporting sanctions"—specifically a yellow card for captains—if they wore the multi-colored "OneLove" armband .
The German national team’s "gag" gesture during the was a coordinated silent protest against FIFA for muzzling their voices . The Protest: "Silencing Us" Before their opening match against on November 23,
The released a statement simultaneously on social media, clarifying their stance: clarifying their stance: