[Saba Sports News] According to the latest reports from English media, a cross-party group of UK parliamentarians is currently in contact with FIFA, urging the governing body to consider expelling the United States from major tournaments including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their core demand stems from the US’ “violations of international law and interference in the internal affairs of other countries”.
Citing FIFA’s previous decision to suspend Russia over the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a reference, the group has accused international sports organizations of adopting a “double standard”. For instance, they pointed out that FIFA once awarded a peace prize to Donald Trump while turning a blind eye to the military actions carried out by his administration, calling for consistency between sports governance and political positions.
From a practical perspective, however, it is almost unfeasible to suspend the US. As a co-host nation of the World Cup, the US has already entered the critical phase of tournament preparations. Revoking its hosting rights or qualification would trigger a series of knock-on effects on match schedules, commercial contracts, broadcasting rights and more, resulting in incalculable losses. Meanwhile, FIFA’s statutes lack clear detailed rules for such penalties, and the US’ significant influence in international football will also hinder the advancement of any relevant proposals.