This idea floating around at the moment. Fine by me, as long as the World Cup is actually held somewhere in 2018......preferably somewhere closer to home. I have no problem mixing sport and politics, the boycott of apartheid South Africa did make a difference, on the other hand the attempt to wreck the Moscow Olympics didn't really. I don't really understand what's going on in Ukraine, but I know I don't like Putin much. However, the Russians have, allegedly, voted for him. All seems very old fashioned geo-politics to me. I'm sure we can rely on Blatter and Platini to provide moral guidance..... Thoughts?
Yes, millions of Russians voted for him and many didn't even know it! A throwback to the good ole Communist days, Stalin would be proud of him. I'm sure the FA would be delighted to take on the tournament at short notice, we're probably one of about five or six that could and it'd serve Putin right...
Yes Blatter is definetely the man for "moral guidance", and Platini for the platitudes. As Putin held off invading the Crimea until after the last Winter Olympics were over, (but he wasn't concerned by the para- Olympics afterwards), I think the suggestion in the OP is the totally wrong approach. All the mega, prestige bearing sporting tournaments need moving to Russia ASAP. The 2014/2015 Champions League Semis and Final for a start, they can take the Euros from France, the next Winter OL, Super Bowl 2015, 2016, 2017 etc, the One day cricket World Cup. Any big sporting events in September? ManU - QPR perhaps? I wouldn't give them the WC in aircraft spotting though.
No boycott keep sport out of politics We have no right to determine these things re sport If so then we should never play sport against India because of their Human rights record Never play Israel at anything ... Never play anything against the USA or have any sporting connection to them In fact we shouldn't be able to play sport ourselves because of the Vick ups we have made worldwide like fuelling and controlling an arms race While we rape other countries of their resources all for profit Saying that I am certain that millions would tune in if someone be headed Blatter on You Tube
Boycott, yes of course! It was a stupid idea to give them the WC in the first place. Taking off the WC wont stop Putin but it make him think about it at least. I think that England for example would able to organize WC in a case of a emergency a couple years of the guard time.
I totally agree you. But sport can also be use as a very powerful political tool. You only have to look at the two black Americans at the Olympics in 68. The problem we face is that Fifa is so corrupt that boycotting the world cup would be pointless. I hope that some one can use the evidence collected by journalist about vote rigging for the world cups and use to try and change the hierarchy of Fifa.
The mixing of sport and politics has always happened. I'm sure the Spartans used the ancient Olympiad to show their physical might. That's a political statement when taken in context of the time. It has/is/will always happen. It's worth pointing out that in most (not all) cases it is highlighting injustice. (Jessie Owens, Basil D'olavera etc.) Also I'd rather someone throw a leaflet at me than a hand grenade.
Good post. Today, I think people would rather follow entertainment than politics or causes so it's the most effective means. I wouldn't support a boycott if it was a loaded motive to get the tournament moved to England though.
I am not really sure. You will have to ask the black people of America. its not so much it will achieve any thing but it is a good place to raise you point. On another note QPRNY did you listen to the open all Rs podcast this week. They had a QPR fan who has lived in New York for a while. He was talking about how he and a few friend are trying to set up a supports group in New York. Was it you or are you aware of Legends bar so you can join this club.
I only asked as you suggested we only had to look at that event. No it wasn't me on the podcast but obviously would be interested if any details appear.
So .............. the absolute payback for Russia would have to be, take the World Cup off them along with banning them from event when England take it over, nice, I like it! Tickets please, tickets!
And Qatar makes sense? FIFA is the most corrupt organization behind the Federal Reserve, World Bank and IMF. This is all about money, nothing more nothing less. LET ME REMIND YOU. THE FIRST GAME OF THE WORLD CUP. http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=9d3_1402641524
No, Quatar dont make sense at all but with totally different reasons. Boycott against Russia and boycott against Blatter have both my vote but for the different reasons of course.
