Iceland announced on Monday (Mar 26) it will stage a diplomatic boycott of the football World Cup in Russia over the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain. The logo of the FIFA World Cup. (AFP/FRANCK FIFE) "Among the measures taken by Iceland is the temporary postponement of all high-level bilateral dialogue with the Russian authorities," the foreign ministry said in a statement said. "Consequently, Icelandic leaders will not attend the FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer," it said. The Reykjavik government also exhorted Moscow to provide "clear answers" over the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in southwestern England on Mar 4. "The Salisbury attack constitutes a grave violation of international law and threatens security and peace in Europe," the statement said. Britain announced in mid-March that British royals and ministers would stay away from the FIFA tournament set for Jun 14-Jul 15. Iceland's decision came as 16 European Union countries on Monday … [Read more...] about Iceland leaders to snub 2018 World Cup in Russia
Fifa world cup in russia
Russia becomes official host of 2018 FIFA World Cup
A declaration on Russia's official status as the organizer of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was signed in St.Petersburg on Sunday. According to the website of Russian Football Union, the signing ceremony was attended by FIFA President Joseph Blatter, Russian Football Union President Sergei Fursenko, Russian Sport Minister Vitaly Mutko and Russian bid leader Alexei Sorokin. The list of cities, where the World Cup matches will be played, has been defined and will not be changed, Mutko told Interfax news agency. … [Read more...] about Russia becomes official host of 2018 FIFA World Cup
Vietnam to face strong rivals in 2018 FIFA World Cup 2nd qualification round
Vietnam were yesterday drawn in a group of strong opponents in the second qualification round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and at the same time of the 2019 Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. In Group F, Vietnam will compete with Iraq, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan under a double round robin format from June 11, 2015 to March 29, 2016. Besides Taiwan considered the underdogs, Vietnam will face challenges from equally-ranked rivals Thailand and Indonesia and favorites Iraq, who were the 2007 Asian Cup champions. In the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup last year, Vietnam were held to a 2-2 draw by Indonesia. Drawing for 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup The drawing event was organized in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday to pool 40 teams who advanced from the first qualification round last month, into eight groups for the second round. Eight group winners and four best runners-up based on their goal difference and head-to-head results will advance to the … [Read more...] about Vietnam to face strong rivals in 2018 FIFA World Cup 2nd qualification round
Russia should lose right to stage 2018 World Cup – Clegg
Russia should forfeit the right to stage the 2018 World Cup finals following the destruction of the Malaysian Airlines jet in Ukraine, according to Britain's deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. … [Read more...] about Russia should lose right to stage 2018 World Cup – Clegg
Football: Play Qatar World Cup in January says Beckenbauer
BERLIN, Dec 4, 2010 (AFP) - German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has suggested that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar be held in January to avoid the searing summer heat in the Gulf country. A member of the FIFA executive committee that stunned the world on Thursday by according the 2022 tournament to the tiny emirate, Beckenbauer said that it would be wrong to stage the event in the traditional close-season period of June/July. "We need to consider this solution of January and February when in Qatar the temperatures are around a pleasant 25 degrees," he told Bild newspaper. "Why would that not be acceptable? The schedules for the big European leagues are due to be changed in 2012 and that would mean the impact would be less. "Also it would be a viable alternative to the huge expenses involved in setting up air-conditioning for the stadiums and the fan zones." Beckenbauer, a World Cup winner both as a player and a manager, refused to say who he had voted for in Zurich when the World Cup … [Read more...] about Football: Play Qatar World Cup in January says Beckenbauer