Fun fact. For the 1966 World Cup, England debated denying visas for North Korea. FIFA responded that if any players from any teams were denied visas,they would relocate the World Cup, even at the last minute.
When Russia hosted the World Cup in 2018, it had to suspend normal visa rules for the tournament. Foreigners with tickets could enter visa-free, using a scheme called ‘Fan ID.’
Russia also had to do weird stuff to keep FIFA’s sponsors happy. For example, small shops near Fan Zones and stadiums could only sell Budweiser beer on match days.
So yes, FIFA absolutely does dictate conditions to host governments when it suits FIFA. Infantino pretending otherwise is nonsense.
Introducing the Scottish-American travel dictionary 🇺🇸🏴
We’ve put together this guide to keep the Tartan Army out of trouble in the States.
Read carefully to avoid confusing the locals, deeply offending the country, or being interrogated by Homeland Security over a sandwich.
Fucking NHS. I woke up this morning with some trouble in my eye. Called the optician. Had tests. Sent straight to hospital with a torn retina.
They insisted on giving me laser surgery there and then to fix it. Didn't want any money for the job. Now I'm home again.
How inconsiderate. Joking aside. Remember there are people out there who want to dismantle the NHS.
Suddenly all the people who cared about human rights when Russia and Qatar hosted the world cup and suddenly quiet. .. No fancy documentary from the BBC on immigrants rights. No expose on Crime in inner cities (as we saw in South Africa)
Just silence.
giving the world cup to the usa was a stupid decision.
this tournament was supposed to bring the world together. instead we’re talking about shootings, visa issues, travel restrictions and whether fans from certain countries will even be able to attend