UEFA has defended its decision to turn down a request to illuminate the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the meeting of Germany and Hungary at Euro 2020.
Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter asked UEFA if the stadium could be lit up in Pride colours to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Hungary, after the Hungarian parliament recently passed a number of anti-LGBTQ laws.
UEFA denied that request from Reiter on Tuesday and European football's governing body released a statement on Wednesday to try and clarify their decision.
"Today, UEFA is proud to wear the colours of the rainbow.
"It is a symbol that embodies our core values, promoting everything that we believe in - a more just and egalitarian society, tolerant of everyone, regardless of their background, belief or gender.
"Some people have interpreted UEFA’s decision to turn down the city of Munich’s request to illuminate the Munich stadium in rainbow colours for a EURO 2020 match as ‘political’.
"On the contrary, the request itself was political, linked to the Hungarian football team’s presence in the stadium for this evening’s match with Germany.
"For UEFA, the rainbow is not a political symbol, but a sign of our firm commitment to a more diverse and inclusive society."
Several German cities like Frankfurt, Berlin and Cologne say they will illuminate their stadiums in the Pride colours.
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