Forum Topic

Russia World Cup 2018 ban?

I don't usually agree with Mr Clegg's policies, but I warm to his call to strip Russia from hosting the 2018 World Cup, following Mr Putin's dubious involvement in the MH17 crash in Ukraine. The crash needs to be fully and impartially investigated quickly imo.

Gerry Tan ● 4264d12 Comments

To use the biblical metaphor, Clegg is an Esau. He has sold his Liberal inheritance for a mess of coalition pottage.

Graham Weeks ● 4263d

This is FIFA, a power all to themselves, no matter what public option is or what pressure governments put on them, they will not change.Russia was not the best bid but they lined FIFA's pockets as did Qatar, thats why they are hosting the world cups.Do Russia deserve the World Cup? simply NO, not before MH17 and certainly not after. Both have debatable human rights and views, and to be awarded a prestigious tournament sends them the wrong message.As to banning nations from taking part, thats a totally different measure, I don't think sport and politics should mix at that level, its not fair to the average person who probably is innocent from there respected government actions. And just deprives them of the enjoyment of the sport.Back to FIFA, they need to change in the same way the IOC changed under Jacques Rogge, first step needed is to get rid of the corrupt Sepp Blatter and his committee,

Declan Devine ● 4263d

While I agree with Clegg he is, yet again, late to the party as many have been calling for the withdrawal for months.It really shows that Clegg is little more than the first violinist (if that) of the dance band on the Titanic. A dearth of originality. Where is the 'liberal' thinking that attracted supporters?

Nigel Brooks ● 4263d

I think one judges on a case by case basis. Only time I have agreed with Clegg.

Graham Weeks ● 4263d

It doesn't. I asked you if you were against the ban for the same reasons. After all, the South African cricket and rugby teams and their supporters suffered as a result of the actions of their government.In fact you could say it would be more appropriate to ban Israel because the Israelis elected their own govn. but in SA this was not the case.

Keith Iddon ● 4263d

I was more interested in my scalextric than world affairs back then.  But where did I say I was against the international boycott of S.Africa?

Andy Vaughan ● 4264d

Were you against the international boycott of South Africa for the same reasons?

Keith Iddon ● 4264d

Qualifying shouldn't be affected in my opinion as it is earned and not subject to political involvement.  Why punish the players and the fans?Hosting a tournament is another matter entirely.  It's a privilege and is entirely political.  It would send a strong message if only to tell Mr Putin that he can't just swan around doing as he pleases and expect to be allowed to play with the rest of us.

Andy Vaughan ● 4264d

Maybe they should also ban the Israel football team from the qualification rounds of that World Cup too. Don't suppose that is going to happen any time soon though.

Keith Iddon ● 4264d

Wouldn't it be lovely if they could/would Debbie?Sadly, while major sports are run by 'political' bodies the two will remain inextricably linked.

Nigel Brooks ● 4264d

Shouldn't politics be kept out of sport?  Two different things.

Debbie Edwards ● 4264d

Well, I wouldn't say it's "his" policy. It's a popular bandwagon he's jumped on. I agree with the ban, and did even before MH17, when I based it on their treatment of LGBT citizens.

Simon Bell ● 4264d