FIFA rejects calls to strip Russia of World Cup

[dipsydoodle]

Source: USA Today

FIFA has rejected calls to move the 2018 World Cup from Russia, saying the tournament "can achieve positive change."

Russia's alleged involvement in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine last week prompted calls from some lawmakers in Germany to review the country's hosting rights.

On Friday, FIFA issued a statement saying it "deplores any form of violence" and would support only peaceful, democratic debate about the World Cup.

"History has shown so far that boycotting sport events or a policy of isolation or confrontation are not the most effective ways to solve problems," FIFA said, adding that global attention on the World Cup "can be a powerful catalyst for constructive dialogue between people and governments."

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/07/25/fifa-rejects-calls-to-strip-russia-of-world-cup/13147557/

[geardaddy]

1. FIFA wants the money.

That's all.

[enlightenment]

5. Exactly.

A non-profit with an "emergency fund" in the millions and profits in the billions . . .

[Adrahil]

2. I don't think the World Cup is gonna affect any "change."

I mean, did the Winter Olympics? No... of course not.

But ultimately, it doesn't matter. Those events are all about the money. And since Putin wants Russia to be relevant, he's willing to grease a lot of palms.

And it's not like I think stripping them of the Cup would make any difference either.

[DetlefK]

3. A good decision.

Sports also serves a diplomatic function, and soccer is especially famous for bringing strangers together.

Sports is a social event outside of the realm of nations, races, religion and government. Apolitical events shouldn't be politicized. FIFA gave the World Cup to Russia, now they should stick with it.

[candelista]

8. That's a contradiction.

If it serves a diplomatic function, it is not "outside the realm of nations," etc.

[BeyondGeography]

4. Too early for that

Check back in 2017.

FIFA, in addition to lining its pockets, thinks it can save the world through football. It will not back down easily on Russia or Qatar.

[geek tragedy]

6. FIFA is almost corrupt as Russia's government. nt

[SwankyXomb]

14. FIFA is so corrupt,

it makes Don King say "Damn"

[Zorra]

7. So LGBT can only play or attend with the knowledge that they are subject to being beaten and jailed

if they come as themselves. Or play or attend with the knowledge that the country that has legalized institutional hatred and bigotry toward them.

And some straight people here are totally insensitively saying, "Hey, no problem! It's just a great learning experience for everyone!".

Simply being in Russia is living Russian Roulette for LGBT, in so many ways.

It's ok as long as it's not me!

[robbob]

11. Assholes and cowards

This video sickened me.

[dbackjon]

9. What did anyone expect?

It's FIFA

[Codeine]

10. Of course; they're so corrupt the make Putin

look clean by comparison. If they won't cave on Qatar they certainly won't on Russia.

[lark]

12. FIFA is wrong!

If the Olympics wouldn't moderate Putin, the World Cup certainly wouldn't either. They should cancel it NOW.

[dipsydoodle]

13. Dream on.

.

[lark]

16. Not expecting them to change the venue

Just saying that they should.

[cabot]

17. FIFA will move the World Cup IF

countries do not send their players to participate in World Cup 2018. If nations get together and say "We do not support Russia's policies so we won't be participating in World Cup 2018" FIFA will move it. The World Cup won't be exciting if only 10 nations participate.

[BlueCheese]

18. FIFA is a grotesquely corrupt organization.

The sooner they're either reformed or abolished, the better. Giving the 2022 World Cup to Qatar reeks of corruption and complete disregard for human rights.

I wonder if the European and South American federations could leave FIFA and organize their own World Cup. Without those two, there's no FIFA to speak of. Even the boycott of one of those two would cripple FIFA and force a shakeup.