Germany were shockinly defeated 2-1 by Japan in their World Cup opener, however, it was their activities prior to the game that made headlines.
After being refused the opportunity to don the One Love armband, the squad shot a photo in which all 11 players had their mouths covered in protest.
Several players also wore rainbow laces as the issues of gay rights continued to be highlighted.
Qatar, a country where homosexuality is illegal, has called on the world to respect their culture and there have been example of rainbow-coloured items being banned from stadiums and confiscated from fans.
FIFA banned several nations, including England and Wales, from wearing the One Love armband and the actions of Germany’s players was in response to that – but they will not be punished according to the Times.
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The Germany national team said on social media: “Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position.”
Germany’s FA are considering whether or not they can take legal action against FIFA for denying them the chance to wear the armband.
A DFB spokesman Steffen Simon said: “FIFA has banned us from showing a symbol of diversity and human rights.
“They combined this ban with massive threats of sporting sanctions without specifying them. The DFB is checking whether this action by FIFA was legal.”
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