Despite of FIFA just releasing a statement saying that the 2018 Russia World Cup will still be a go despite of the terrorist attacks, two American senators have also sent a letter to FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, expressing their disproval of Russia hosting the 2018 World Cup.
"I think it absolutely should be reconsidered, but I would hasten to add that a unilateral decision by the United States would not bode well," John McCain, the senior senator told ABC/ESPN's Capitol Games.
"I'm old enough to remember that after the Russian invasion of Afghanistan the United States withdrew from the Olympics, as you might recall, and it was not popular over time. So if we can get the international community to do that, I'm absolutely totally behind it."
He also encouraged other nations to join in the debate.
"I'd like to see the United States and others - say, the British perhaps and other countries - raise the issue in ordinary meetings, periodic meetings that they have. Say, 'We need to discuss this issue. Is it appropriate to have this venue in Russia at this particular time, and aren't there other countries that would be far less controversial?"
Chris Murphy, a Democratic senator said: "If in the face of a downed airliner, in the face of crippling sanctions from the European Union, Putin thumbs his nose at the international community and continues to send in arms and personnel into eastern Ukraine, then I'm not sure how you reward this guy and his government with a major, international competition."
"You have to do it by the end of the year...You can't take the chance that this guy is going to calm down and start behaving - because what if another Ukraine crisis erupts in the winter of 2017-2018?" Murphy added.
In an earlier statement, FIFA said: "History has shown so far that boycotting sport events or a policy of isolation or confrontation are not the most effective ways to solve problems."
They also believe that the World Cup "can be a powerful catalyst for constructive dialogue between people and governments."
With reports from: sportingnews.com
