UEFA have rejected a request to light up the Allianz Arena with rainbow colours for the Germany vs Hungary match on Wednesday night because they believe the gesture has “political context”.
A request was made by the Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, in what he said was an attempt to show solidarity with the LGBT community.
In a statement, the European football's governing body said: "Uefa understands that the intention is also to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion - a cause, which Uefa has been supporting for many years - having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone.
"And consequently, Uefa has proposed alternative dates for the illumination which align better with existing events.
"Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love."
UEFA said that the Mayor of Munich's reason for the request was a response to legislation passed in Hungary banning gay people from appearing in school educational materials or programmes for under-18s.
On that basis, the governing body said it could not grant the request and proposed alternative dates for the stadium to be lit up in rainbow colours.
UEFA proposed the Allianz Arena be lit up in rainbow colours on either June 28 – the Christopher Street Liberation Day – or between July 3 and 9 which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich.
