History tells us, in the run-up to the 1966 Fifa World Cup, the UK government initially refused to grant entry visas to the North Korean team.
The Fifa administration, led by Sir Stanley Rous, intervened and threatened to strip England of its hosting rights. Faced with this pressure, the government reversed its decision, lifted diplomatic sanctions against North Korea and allowed the team
to participate.
Today, under the administration of Gianni Infantino, Fifa has been used as a geopolitical tool serving the interests of a select group.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Fifa and Uefa did not hesitate to ban Russia from all competitions. Yet the same Fifa, when urged by several countries to impose a similar ban on the State of Israel for its actions in Gaza, Palestine and Lebanon, claimed that it “does not involve itself in geopolitical matters”. The current administration has proven to be nothing but toothless.
We are witnessing one of the darkest moments in World Cup history: a host nation bombing a participating nation, Iran, while also denying entry to its team and supporters.
We have seen the Senegalese and Uzbek teams subjected to humiliating security checks. Officials from certain countries have been deliberately targeted and refused entry, including our very own referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan.
Fans who have been granted visas are being forced to buy tickets at exorbitant prices.
What is supposed to be a global celebration that brings people together has instead been turned into a profit-driven body.
- Prior to the 1966 FIFA World Cup, the UK government initially refused entry visas to the North Korean team.
- This historical episode highlights political tensions affecting sports events.
- The visa denial was significant given North Korea’s eventual participation in the tournament.
- The story reflects on the intersection of international relations and global sports during that era.
- For the full detailed article, readers are directed to purchase the e-edition of Sunday World.
History tells us, in the run-up to the 1966 Fifa World Cup, the UK government initially refused to grant entry visas to the
to participate.
Today, under the administration of Gianni Infantino, Fifa has been used as a geopolitical tool serving the interests of a select group.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Fifa and Uefa did not hesitate to ban Russia from all competitions. Yet the same Fifa, when urged by several countries to impose a similar ban on the State of Israel for its actions in Gaza, Palestine and Lebanon, claimed that it “does not involve itself in geopolitical matters”.
We are witnessing one of the darkest moments in World Cup history: a host nation bombing a participating nation, Iran, while also denying entry to its team and supporters.
We have seen the Senegalese and Uzbek teams subjected to humiliating security checks. Officials from certain countries have been deliberately targeted and refused entry, including our very own referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan.
Fans who have been granted visas are being forced to buy tickets at exorbitant prices.
What is supposed to be a global celebration that brings people together has instead been turned into a profit-driven body.
