Denmark wants clear separation of church and football

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.

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