Arsene Wenger claimed certain countries flopped at the World Cup because they were too focused on "political demonstrations".
Germany and Denmark, two of the most outspoken nations on human rights, migrant worker and the LGBQT+ issues, were dumped out at the group stage. Australia, who released a video ahead of the World Cup, criticising Qatar's treatment of migrant workers and the LGBQT+ community, made the knockout stage but lost 2-1 to Argentina in the last 16.
Germany’s players posed for their team picture with their hands over their mouths, to illustrate the fact they had been gagged and were denied freedom of speech.
Seven nations at the World Cup, including England and Germany, wanted to wear the OneLove captain’s armband to promote inclusivity and oppose discrimination.
FIFA threatened to issue yellow cards to any players wearing the armband, which forced the seven countries to abandon their original plan.
Following the FIFA directive, the Danish Football Association indicated it will no longer vote for FIFA president Gianni Infantino in future elections.
Former Arsenal boss Wenger, speaking in Doha in his role as a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, said some nations took their eye off the ball by being preoccupied with the armband issue and paid the price for it on the field.
“You know when you go to a World Cup, you know you can’t lose the first game,” said Wenger.
“The teams who have the experience to perform in tournaments, like France and England, played well in the first game.
“The teams who were mentally ready, with a mindset to focus on competition, and not the political demonstrations [did well].”
Wenger also felt that England were affected by the conversations about Qatar's human rights record during their goalless draw with the United States.
But he has backed them to go far in the tournament.
“For the teams that have not been consistent visually, England is one of them,” he added. “England was been absolutely outstanding in the first game, they struggled in the second game against the States and then they have back when needed to give a convincing performance against Wales.
“England has learned a lot. They have been in the last four of the World Cup, the last two of the Euros. Compared to Belgium which is past the peak, England looks to be a team that is now at the peak to deliver.
