France and England are both gearing up for the quarter-final showdown at Euro 2024 while their countries are in the midst of crucial parliamentary elections. France, facing a potential far-right government, has seen its players, including Kylian Mbappé and Jules Koundé, urging citizens to vote to prevent catastrophic results. In contrast, the English team has maintained a “politics-free zone” approach, with defender John Stones stating that his teammates keep their voting intentions close to their chests.
In Turkey, the team is embroiled in a diplomatic controversy after a player made a controversial political gesture associated with Turkish nationalism during a game. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has cancelled a trip to support the team, and a row with Germany has ensued over the gesture, which led to an investigation by UEFA into the player’s behavior.
The Euro 2024 tournament has seen various instances of nationalist gestures and displays by players and fans, resulting in fines from UEFA for several countries. With the quarter-finals approaching, the focus remains on both the football matches and the political situations in the countries of the competing teams.
The French players have been vocal about the urgent need to vote, while the English team has remained silent on their voting intentions. Turkey finds itself in a diplomatic dispute over a controversial gesture made by one of its players during a game. As the matches progress, all eyes are on both the football action and the political landscapes that are influencing the teams at Euro 2024.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com