Ahen the Iranian internationals refused to sing their national anthem at the World Cup in Qatar in support of the protesters in their home country, they continued a long tradition of protests by athletes. Perhaps the most iconic moment was created by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics when they raised their fists in the air to protest racism and injustice back home. Their free speech, the risk they took, and the uncomfortable spotlight they created while the whole world was watching are priceless. They have shaped the role of sport in our society.
For the World Cup, eight national associations and their teams had planned to wear an armband with the inscription “One Love”. With this simple gesture they wanted to distance themselves from prejudice and show solidarity with millions of people around the world who are not free to choose whom to love.
