The Icelandic Football Association has condemned the unauthorized use of a picture of Icelandic football players by a Danish political party as hateful propaganda, RÚV reports. The Danish nationalist party, Danskerners Parti, has used a picture of members of the Icelandic men’s national football team without permission to juxtapose the French team with the Icelandic one, suggesting that the French team ought to compete in Africa.
Yesterday, the Icelandic Football Association posted a message on its Facebook page in reaction to the use of their photo, “This political party is small, but has a message we do not want to be linked to. We strongly protest this message and detest all forms of racism. Football is a tool that brings people of different origins from all over the world together. What unites us is our love of football. Peace and love to you all.”
The association deplores the use of their photo and has insisted it be removed immediately. They state, “Divisiveness has no place in football and football authorities in Europe have fought hard against racism in the sport. That fight is nowhere near over, and the Icelandic Football Association takes part in that project with full force… the Icelandic Football Association rejects any association with hateful propaganda of this sort.”
