April 21 – As expected, FIFA has dismissed a call by a US senator to strip Russia of hosting the World Cup because of its alleged complicity with the recent chemical weapons attack in Syria.
US Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to FIFA earlier in the week urging the global football body to switch venue because of Russia’s support for the Assad regime.
But in a response to Tass, the Russian news agency, FIFA confirmed on Thursday it would work further with Russian authorities to organise the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup because football was not aimed “at solving political problems.”
“Football cannot solve political problems and FIFA is not in a position to interfere in sovereign issues, but football can contribute to building bridges, fostering cultural exchange and bringing people together,” a typically party-line FIFA statement said.
“While promoting dialogue, understanding and peace among peoples, we believe that FIFA tournaments warrant the world’s active support.”
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