Lib Dems demand English FA leaves FIFA after weeks of World Cup controversy | UK | News
The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Football Association (FA) and UEFA to withdraw from FIFA after the controversial World Cup. English football’s governing body accused the global federation of “undermining the integrity of this beautiful game”.
This year’s World Cup, hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, was the scene of various controversies, ranging from football’s intervention. Donald Trumpstrict immigration policies, exorbitant ticket prices, rule changes and arbitration disputes. While fans from countries such as Haiti, Iran, Senegal and Ivory Coast cannot enter the United States due to strict visa policies, the Iranian team has been subject to strict travel rules that allow them to enter the country for 24-hour periods.
Somali referee Omar Artan was also prevented from entering the United States to officiate the tournament. Meanwhile, the automatic ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun due to receiving a direct red card after Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino was postponed.
FIFA has also been criticized for very high ticket prices under its dynamic pricing system. There was also disappointment over the introduction of hydration breaks, which were expected to generate up to £189 million in additional advertising revenue.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the dissolution of FIFA, which has 211 full members including the FA. He calls on football associations around the world to come together to create a “clean” and “transparent” governance structure.
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Sir Ed added that Infantino had “crossed red line after red line” and accused the FIFA President of exploiting fans. He said the board was “destroying the integrity of the beautiful game.”
Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson Anna Sabine MP said: “By confirming a fourth term despite these toxic scandals, football’s governing bodies are showing that they are content to sit in rotting squalor rather than strive for something better.
“Fans deserve transparency and honesty, not four more years of unchecked favoritism.”
