Protesters at World Cup final will hand out red cards for FIFA president and Trump
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- A coalition of artists and advocates are organizing a demonstration to protest President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the World Cup final.
- The action, which will involve tens of thousands of specialty red cards, is meant to call attention to President Trump’s immigration policies and alleged corruption.
Protesters are inviting soccer fans to join them in issuing referee-style red cards during the World Cup final.
A coalition of artists, community organizers and advocacy groups will be handing out tens of thousands of specially designed commemorative red cards to those headed to Sunday’s championship showdown between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
In addition to the slogan “Unitas Mundi” — Latin for “unity of the world” — the mock referee cards direct people to a website explaining the coalition’s campaign and invite them to participate in a collective demonstration inside the stadium to denounce FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Trump.
Lionel Messi has been a soccer star for so long, Spain’s top playmaker Lamine Yamal appeared alongside the future World Cup foe as a 3-month-old baby.
The action comes amid increased scrutiny around Infantino and Trump‘s relationship. Infantino has announced that Trump will join him at the final to present the trophy to the winner. He also awarded Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize — created after the U.S. leader was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize — in December.
And it was after Trump called Infantino to ask for a review of a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun that the star forward’s suspension was delayed to allow him to play in the next game. The controversial move prompted an international uproar and accusations that Infantino has violated established rules around political neutrality.
FIFA has strict rules prohibiting political messaging on flags, banners and other items displayed by players and attendees in and around stadiums.
I knew Lionel Messi would be the headliner of this World Cup, but I didn’t expect to fall so hopelessly in love with him.
Organizers of the Final Red Card demonstration are also calling out the Trump administration’s immigration and mass deportation policies, which are back in the spotlight after three people were killed within a week during separate encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The fatalities include two people who were shot and killed by ICE officers in Houston and Maine during immigration operations, and another killed in a car crash while fleeing ICE officers in Florida.
At least 10 people have been killed during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns.
The coalition behind the campaign includes Contra-ICE, the arts collective that was also a part of the Flags in the Stands Super Bowl action that involved the “ICE OUT” rally towels. Partner organizations also include Make the Road New Jersey, 50501, People vs the Machines and South Asians for America, according to a press release.
