Senators urge no World Cup in Russia

WASHIINGTON – Thirteen U.S. senators have written to FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, urging the organization to replace Russia as host of the 2018 World Cup. Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) organized the letter, released on April 1, calling on FIFA to move the soccer championship because of Russia’s “ongoing violations of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.” Nine Republicans – including former presidential candidate John McCain – and four Democrats signed the letter. “Allowing Russia to host the FIFA World Cup inappropriately bolsters the prestige of… [Russian President Vladimir Putin’s]… regime at a time when it should be condemned,” the senators said. FIFA has thus far rejected calls for the event – one of the world’s top sporting events – to be moved away from Russia. (RFE/RL)