Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka Insists Switzerland Will Not Copy Germany’s Protest at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

• Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says his side will not be protesting against FIFA’s decision to ban the OneLove armbands at the World Cup
• OneLove armbands are not permitted for players to wear during the World Cup, and FIFA's strict position on this issue has drawn much criticism
• Germany's players protested FIFA’s decision on the field just before their World Cup debut against Japan on Wednesday

Granit Xhaka says Switzerland will not follow in Germany’s footsteps by protesting against FIFA’sban on the OneLove armband at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Germany had led the line in protesting against the world football governing body after it threatened to sanction federations that allow their captains wear the controversial armband.

According to Metro UK, Xhaka has now revealed Switzerland will mainly focus on football as he says players need to respect the rules following FIFA’s last-minute U-turn.

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“I don’t think we need to do anything as the Swiss team. We need to respect the rules and concentrate on our football, that’s all I intend to do.

“We’re here to play football and not hand out lessons to anyone.”

Xhaka is expected to lead Switzerland out in their first World Cup opening Group G game against Cameroon on Thursday, November 24.

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Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender, Yohan Djourou has revealed that Granit Xhaka has always been viewed as a leader within the Switzerland dressing room, Talk Sport reports.

Djourou played alongside the 30-year-old at both Arsenal and the Swiss national team and revealed he has always admired Xhaka’s personality.

Xhaka will captain Switzerland at this year's World Cup having replaced Stephan Lichtsteiner as captain after his retirement in 2020.

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Xhaka only Arsenal star to Aubameyang warm embrace

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Granit Xhaka was the only Arsenal player to give Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a warm reunion on Sunday, November 6.

Chelsea's Premier League clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge gave Aubameyang a golden opportunity to reunite with the Gunners, for the first time since his exit from the club.

The Gabonese striker swapped Arsenal for Barcelona during the January transfer window, following his fallout with Mikel Arteta.