Senators Ask FIFA to Deny Russia 2018 World Cup - East Idaho News
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Senators Ask FIFA to Deny Russia 2018 World Cup

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Getty 040115 FIFAWorldCupRussia?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1427907095067iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., are leading a letter calling on FIFA to deny Russia the 2018 World Cup based on the country’s role in the crisis in Ukraine.

“Given Russia’s ongoing violations of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, we respectfully request that you convene an Extraordinary Congress of FIFA to consider stripping Russia of the privilege of hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” the letter addressed to FIFA President Josef Blatter says.

“Allowing Russia to host the FIFA World Cup inappropriately bolsters the prestige of the Putin regime at a time when it should be condemned and provides economic relief at a time when much of the international community is imposing economic sanctions,” it continues.

Eleven other senators have also signed onto the letter, including potential presidential candidates Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

“With the goal of ending the crisis in Ukraine and ensuring a successful 2018 World Cup, we strongly encourage FIFA to deny the Putin regime the privilege of hosting the 2018 World Cup and make preparations for an alternate host country,” the letter concludes.


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