FIFA Slammed as Internet Compares Treatment of Russia to U.S. in Iraq War – Newsweek
Soccer fans on the internet are up in arms after FIFA and UEFA announced the ban of Russia's national and club soccer teams from international competition, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Following the invasion of Russia's military forces into Ukraine on February 24, FIFA released a statement on Monday with UEFA stating that "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine," the statement read.
However, an influx of calls claiming hypocrisy followed as fans called out FIFA's differing treatment of other teams such as the United States and Israel, and the support FIFA has shown Qatar despite reports of human rights issues.
Several called out the double standard shown for the Israel and U.S. teams, referencing the Israel/Palestine conflict in 2021 and the actions of the U.S. military during the Iraq War.
One Twitter user in response to the news wrote, "Then Israel, China, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should also be banned by FIFA, as they [are] all participating in projects that impact World peace at the moment. Let's not be hypocritical."
"Useless, hypocritical and corrupt FIFA, why haven't they suspended the United States for invading many countries over the years? Isn't football supposed to be the beautiful game and a uniting factor in these tensed moments?" one user said.
Others pointed out the discrimination against Zimbabwe and Kenyan teams, which were banned on Thursday for reported government interference in the running of their national soccer bodies, according to the Miami Herald.
"So fifa doesn't want governments to be involved in it's business, but it wants to be involved in theirs? Hypocritical," wrote one user on Twitter.
Another tweeted, "[I]t's hypocritical of fifa to recognize govt and football are not independent on each other...they [should] unban Zimbabwe and Kenya."
Several more found hypocrisy by way of FIFA's silence after a World Cup worker was arrested in Qatar, and human rights groups have warned that there are "serious issues" to be aware of ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in November.
"They see little wrong with Qatar, which makes this a hypocritical stance by FIFA," a Twitter user wrote.
The extent of the Russian soccer teams' involvement was called into question, while more than 5,000 Russian civilians have been arrested since President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion.
"Russian football teams have nothing to do with what is happening. FIFA is being hypocritical," wrote a Twitter user.
However, there are a few on the internet who have commended FIFA's move to bar Russia from participating, as one said, "Well done @FIFAcom. The right call," adding several clapping hands emojis.
Newsweek reached out to FIFA for comment.
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FIFA Slammed as Internet Compares Treatment of Russia to U.S. in Iraq War - Newsweek
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