Joshua Kimmich: “It’s not my fault that the World Cup was awarded here 12 years ago.”

Speaking ahead of Germany’s World Cup opener against Japan, Joshua Kimmich discussed the possibility of facing sanctions if nations chose to wear the One Love rainbow coloured armband.

“I was surprised with the band,” said Kimmich. “We players are very reflective and point the issues out, but we should talk about football again at some point. It’s not my fault that the World Cup was awarded here 12 years ago. I was 15 back then. Nevertheless, I have to keep speaking about it. We have the opportunity to go outside and see what life is really like. We live in a kind of bubble.

“A World Cup is a childhood dream for many. I have the feeling we’re being told that we shouldn’t really be happy because it’s taking place here. We’re all up for it and want to play a good tournament. We can’t do anything about where the World Cup is taking place.”

Bild reported that the DFB are planning on taking legal action against FIFA with plans to sue the organisation through the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Speaking earlier today, Hansi Flick discussed the situation after nations were forced to stand down or risk facing sporting sanctions, which could result in a yellow card for the player wearing the captains armband.

Germany will play Japan on Wednesday at 4pm local time as they look to begin their World Cup campaign. They’ll be without Leroy Sané, who suffered a knee injury in the final training session, but Thomas Müller is an option once again. Die Mannschaft will be hoping for a convincing win in what’s a difficult group alongside Spain and Costa Rica.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder 

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