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
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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 and Qatar to host 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, respectively
The FIFA Executive Committee has chosen Russia to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, while the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ was awarded to Qatar. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter announced the result of the FIFA Executive Committee's vote on Thursday 2 December 2010 in Zurich’s Messe. The contenders for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, other than Russia, were England, a joint bid from Belgium and the Netherlands, and a joint bid from Spain and Portugal. Meanwhile, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and the USA were competing with Qatar. 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Round 1: England 2 votes, Netherlands/Belgium 4 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes and Russia 9 votes (as no absolute majority was reached, the candidate with least amount of votes, England, was eliminated) Round 2: Netherlands/Belgium 2 votes, Spain/Portugal 7 votes and Russia 13 votes (Russia obtained an absolute majority) 2022 FIFA World Cup™ Round 1: … [Read more...] about Russia and Qatar to host 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, respectively
USA bid committee to focus on 2022 FIFA World Cup
The USA Bid Committee announced today 15 October 2010 that it has withdrawn from the 2018 FIFA World Cup bid and will exclusively focus on the 2022 campaign. The decision comes after several months of careful deliberation with FIFA, UEFA and members of the USA Bid Board of Directors. Four European candidates now remain in the race for 2018 (Belgium/Netherlands, England, Russia and Spain/Portugal). Since the FIFA Statutes indicate that the competition cannot be held on the same continent on two successive occasions, the 2022 campaign will now be between Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Qatar and the USA. "For some time we have been in conversations with FIFA and UEFA about the possibility of focusing only on the 2022 bidding process, an option we have made reference to many times," said Sunil Gulati, Chairman of the USA Bid Committee and President of U.S. Soccer. "We are confident this is in the best interests of the USA Bid." "We have had an open and constructive … [Read more...] about USA bid committee to focus on 2022 FIFA World Cup