Because contests should not be political. In the 2026 Winter Olympics, a Ukrainian athlete was removed for putting the names of dead Ukrainian soldiers on his helmet.
Someone would have to determine whether the Geneva Conventions were violated. I think it’s better for simply the best athletes to compete, not the best athletes from countries which behave in an approved way. Some believe that the US didn’t follow the Geneva Convention when it attacked Venezuelan ships supposedly carrying drugs. Yet, the US hosted the World Cup.
Global consensus would be best. A united league of nations to discuss it would work otherwise. But, barring all of that, I’ll use my own judgement. Isreal has committed warcrimes. Russia has committed warcrimes. I’m ok with them being shunned from global sports and entertainment. And, if it is determined that my country is actively committing warcrimes, then we should be shunned too.
Some believe the US violated international law when it attacked Venezuelan boats supposedly carrying drugs. There hasn’t been any investigation. Remember FiFA President Infantino let Balogun play after Trump called. Perhaps some countries have influence. Wouldn’t it be simpler to just let the best players compete?
Because contests should not be political. In the 2026 Winter Olympics, a Ukrainian athlete was removed for putting the names of dead Ukrainian soldiers on his helmet.
That isn’t equivalent because Ukraine did not commit warcrimes. Why shouldn’t a country committing warcrimes be blocked?
Who would determine if war crimes were committed?
Geneva conventions.
Stop sea-lioning.
Someone would have to determine whether the Geneva Conventions were violated. I think it’s better for simply the best athletes to compete, not the best athletes from countries which behave in an approved way. Some believe that the US didn’t follow the Geneva Convention when it attacked Venezuelan ships supposedly carrying drugs. Yet, the US hosted the World Cup.
Global consensus would be best. A united league of nations to discuss it would work otherwise. But, barring all of that, I’ll use my own judgement. Isreal has committed warcrimes. Russia has committed warcrimes. I’m ok with them being shunned from global sports and entertainment. And, if it is determined that my country is actively committing warcrimes, then we should be shunned too.
Some believe the US violated international law when it attacked Venezuelan boats supposedly carrying drugs. There hasn’t been any investigation. Remember FiFA President Infantino let Balogun play after Trump called. Perhaps some countries have influence. Wouldn’t it be simpler to just let the best players compete?
I think it’s simpler not to let the thieving, cheating Russians compete. Someone has to pay the price for Putin.