The recent final football match in the Federations Cup between Brazil and the USA has prompted the chairman of Denmark’s Football Federation to call for a ban of religious displays of belief at football games. The unusual demand came after Brazil won the exciting match 3-2 and its players consequently joined in a ring and gave prayers of thanks to God.
DBU Secretary-General Jim Stjerne Hansen was not impressed by the Brazilians show of faith. “Personally I do not think that sport and religion should be mixed to such a degree that we more or less see a manifestation of a religious stance,” he stated.
“Just as we reject political manifestations, we should also say no to religious ones. There are too many risks involved in clubs, for example, with people of different religious faiths,” Hansen added.
Hansen stated that the post-match Brazilian display goes against the world governing body of football, FIFA’s, own rules. The JP news agency says FIFA rules state any player, club or organisation that puts political, personal or religious slogans on their equipment will be punished.
High-profile players such as Kaka were shown wearing undershirts after the match that said “I belong to Jesus”, while several other players wrote “I love God” and “I love Jesus”. One Brazilian went so far as to write “I love my wife” on his undershirt. The Americans notably did not write anything on their undergarments.
[…] Denmark wants clear separation of church and football […]
*still seeking for a real Asatru land*
Hansen is scared from the Muslim people in Denmark but he forgets that the Denmark is a christian country the same as Brazil.
I support the players that chose to wear their faith. This is simply religious freedom. I am very disappointing that Denmark would take this position. Wasn’t it Danes that were criticized by Muslims for religious intolerance?
well it looks like the grip of satan is being completely manifested when a free man, risen to the level of international sports star on his, or her, own accomplishments, cannot proclaim their own faith, in which they have found their strength.
yes, only say what is allowed, only think what is allowed, only act in a way that is allowed.
the human spirit is where the human race finds its strength – and it is not humans who desire this forced control of emotions – but it is the deceiver, the father of all lies, and to succumb to this dark force is to deny our nature. for we were created in God´s image to shine and create and love and honor and live in all of our blessings. shame to those who would seek to imprison our religious beliefs.
Antidisestablishmentfootballism