Players are not political experts, says Germany's Kimmich ahead of Saudi World Cup vote

FRANKFURT, Germany : Germany players should stand for values as role models in society but are no political experts, said new Germany captain Joshua Kimmich on Wednesday ahead of next month's vote for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup.

Asked about politics in sport with Saudi Arabia's bid set to be picked for the World Cup amid human rights concerns, and the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Kimmich said there was a limit to the scope of players' influence.

"In general us players should stand for specific values, especially as the captain of the national team. But it is not our job to express ourselves politically all the time," Kimmich told a press conference.

Kimmich was speaking ahead of Group A3 leaders Germany's Nations League matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday and Hungary three days later.

Kimmich, who took over the captaincy after this year's European Championship, said Germany had not benefited from their political stance during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"Look at the issue of Qatar. We did not present an overall good picture as a team and country. We expressed political opinions and it took a bit away from the joy of the tournament. It was an outstanding World Cup in terms of organisation," he said.

Germany players placed their hands over their mouths during a team photo ahead of their group game against Japan at that World Cup following a row over world soccer body FIFA's threat of sanctions over a "OneLove" armband.

FIFA had threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the armband symbolising diversity and tolerance but only Germany publicly opposed that decision with that move. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar.

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