Discussions to boycott the World Cup are 12 years too late – Joshua Kimmich

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations League games against Hungary and England, Joshua Kimmich commented on calls for players and national teams to boycott the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“As a footballer, you’ve got a lot of excitement for a World Cup. It is difficult to deal with the conversations, which are quite rightly had, about the circumstances surrounding the awarding of the tournament. We knew that already,” said the 27-year-old.

“Many people call for the players to boycott it, but it is 12 years too late for that. It would have been important to consider this before the tournament was awarded. Yesterday, the racewalker Jonathan Hilbert described his impressions about the climate and the freedom of the press. All in all, it’s a balancing act between anticipation and the controversies. But ultimately, we are there to have success on the pitch.”

This comes after Germany head coach Hansi Flick criticised the World Cup being held in Qatar. Speaking to Süddeutsche Zeitung in an exclusive interview, the 57-year-old said: “Was it right to award the World Cup to Qatar? This questions should have been answered much earlier, with a no!”

Ahead of the World Cup, Germany host Hungary on Friday night before facing England on Monday.

GGFN

 

 

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