Time to boycott the World Cup: Russia has made itself a pariah
Twelve weeks from today soccer’s World Cup begins in Russia. To suggest the event is not under a cloud of suspicion is an understatement.
Sadly, any event where a Russian competes is questionable. The Winter Olympics confirmed that when several
Russians failed dope tests — a hoax exacerbated by IOC and Russian machinations to facilitate cheats.
Suggestions that Russia paid a $15m (€12m) IOC fine over doping at Sochi points to a prodigal-son moment for that country’s cheats.
Russia is not the only source of corruption, but it is shameless in pursuit of Pyrrhic victories — a fact confirmed by Irish boxing manager at Rio Joe Hennigan’s report that fights were fixed.
The decision given to Russian Nikitin, clearly beaten by Michael Conlon, confirms this.
Russia has had a record 51 Olympic gold medals stripped for doping.
The nerve-agent attack on spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury changes the context of this toxic ambiguity.
Britain may huff and puff about its intentions but its options are few. However, one presents itself, one that would have worldwide impact and show Russia that it has made itself a pariah.
England could boycott the World Cup and encourage others to do the same.
Doing so would turn posturing into proactive principle in an exemplary way.
However, you shouldn’t hold your breath.
