Arsene Wenger said on Sunday that teams who focused on football rather than “political demonstrations” fared better in the opening round at the World Cup.
The former Arsenal manager is now working for FIFA as its head of global football development and made the remark unprompted during a press conference looking at trends during the now-concluded group stage in Qatar.
“When you go to a World Cup you know you must not lose the first game,” said the 73-year-old, saying teams with World Cup experience such as holders France won their opening matches.
Wenger then added: “And the teams as well who were mentally ready, who had the mindset to focus on the competition and not on political demonstrations.”
Germany’s players covered their mouths for the team photo before their opening match against Japan in protest at FIFA’s refusal to allow the captains of seven European sides to wear rainbow-themed armbands.