Most are focused on the problems and controversy surrounding Qatar’s World Cup, but the tournament preceding the 2022 edition warrants far more immediate global attention.
There are a multitude of issues affecting the 2022 World Cup, primarily the appalling treatment of migrant workers in Qatar.
However the possibility of litigation from the major European leagues, who face having their seasons severely compromised and disrupted due to the recommendation of FIFA’s task force that the event should be held in November/December, is still a threat.
And with all these issues to distract us, it is little wonder that the problems surrounding the Russian bid have flown somewhat under the radar.
While FIFA’s joint 2018 and 2022 bidding process in 2010 was most famous for the bafflingly ill-thought decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia raised just as many eyebrows, with fans concerned over domestic security problems and the rampant hooliganism culture rife in Russian football.
Since then, despite most of FIFA’s attention being focused on the self-made problems surrounding the World Cup being held in the Middle East, a recent report highlighting endemic racism throughout Russian football poses a different, yet urgent problem.
However, the recent report on racism in the Russian Premier League shows that it is not just Qatar that appears wholly incapable of organising tournaments according to FIFA’s Codes of Conduct and Ethics.
In the report released last week, FARE and SOVA – both notable anti-discrimination organisations – have exposed frequent incidents over the course of their two year study (details of which can be found here).
The report notes that despite action being taken by authorities since 2011, including the 2014 ‘Spectator Law’, little seems to have changed, and incidents of racist chanting towards black players have continued.
FC Rostov and Gabon international Guelor Kanga was racially abused by Spartak Moscow fans during a Premier League fixture. He responded by raising his middle finger and was subsequently banned for two games. No spectators were punished due to lack of evidence, although the club were fined a token amount.
Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazilian striker Hulk and Dynamo Moscow’s Congolese defender Christopher Samba have both been subjected to racist taunts in the form of monkey chants when playing against Spartak and Torpedo Moscow respectively in September 2014. Torpedo were subsequently ordered to play their next match behind closed doors, but Samba was banned for two games for reacting in the same manner as Kanga did – by saluting the offending spectators.
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure was even subjected to monkey chants from CSAK Moscow fans in a Champions League tie in 2013. UEFA banned spectators from the stadium for the next game, but Toure remarked, “If we aren’t confident at the World Cup, coming to Russia, we don’t come.”
Sepp Blatter has voiced his concern, committing to “a big education program with them (the Russian World Cup Organising Committee and Russian Football Union). They are aware of the situation.”
He also proclaimed “Racism is one of the items which is on my agenda on the very top, every day. If it does not stop then there must be some sanctions.”
Whether these sanctions will include taking the World Cup elsewhere is fanciful thinking. But despite the bluster, FIFA should be worried. Despite weathering multiple previous storms of negative publicity, if Blatter thinks he can brush off the criticism if the world is exposed to monkey chants from the stands in their showpiece event, he is even more ignorant than anyone has realised.
Unfortunately for everyone, racism is not going to go away any time soon. On Monday, British anti-racism organisation Kick it Out reported an increase in reported discriminative behaviour over the last year.
This report comes hot on the heels of English club Chelsea being thrown into the spotlight after racist chanting and assault of a black French man on the Paris subway emerged after a Champions League tie last month, highlighting just how far there is to go until racism is eradicated from the sport entirely.
While FIFA are seemingly bunkering down into damage-limitation mode over the Qatar World Cup decision, they need to do a lot more to stop the World Cup in Russia from descending into a racism-dominated sham.
Currently, the bulk of the criticism is directed towards the Qatar decision, but if the 2018 Russian World Cup does not run smoothly, the pressure on football’s governing body may reach critical levels, and have severe, far-reaching consequences.
balotelli
Guest
Racism is not a Russian problem alone but a European problem to a larger extent..Even in the Americas its there... These people will behave themselves for the duration of the WC only to continue after the media frenzy has left.... The odd noise myt be made about Russia's racist record in the West but i'm certain it will be mainly motivated by political rivalries between the 2 compared to actually wanting to stamp out racism
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
I think mattq, that because FIFA are taking the tournament there it facilitates the issue being thrust into the public light... So where as I see what you are saying in that attempting to 'fix' a nations culture isn't always the best way of doing things, the fact that an international tournament is being held in that country elevates the problem to an international one that needs addressing...
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Ye that's true Darwin, and you're right in saying that UEFA are the board who have that power seeing as the Champions League is a UEFA event. However as UEFA is controlled and under the jurisdiction of FIFA I'm sure it's not beyond the realms of possibility that it could happen... And good points in your second paragraph. Shining a light on the issues is the only way to even begin to instigate change...
mattq
Guest
why does Russia need to fix their culture? I'm not condoning racism but if it's not an issue for them, what's the problem? If you don't want to be a victim of racism, don't go to Russia. You know what to expect. Russia will suffer through economic activity. It is up to them whether they see racism as an issue of national importance. The west is always trying to 'fix' other nations cultures.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
Does FIFA have the jurisitiction to ban Russian teams from European competitions ? .. I don't think they actually do .. that's a Russian FA and UEFA issue ... FIFA could strip them of the tournament however something drastic will need to occur for that to happen As you say the best and really only available solution is education approach ... by having this tournament aren't they going to at least try and drag them up to a standard ... the same can be said for working conditions re Qatar - by having the tournament and by having these issues exposed FIFA then are bound to try and instigate change and reform ... it isn't perfect and overall it isn't going to change much but at the very least a torch get pointed in that direction ... and there is always going to be these issues when FIFA are hell bent of taking the W-cup tournament to new areas
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
That's true Uncle, and I'm sure that before every major event people are always likely to catastrophize every potential issue. But bringing the issues to the forefront of peoples minds early enough enables authorities to crack down on culprits and deal with the situations that are likely to arise. It also allows fans to be aware of the issues and enables them to make an informed decision as to whether to travel or not.
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
I think you're probably right Ben. Or rather, I hope you're right. If Ukraine make it then that would cause all sorts of potential issue... It would be like the USSR v Hungary water polo semi-final in the Melbourne Olympics in '58 only on a much, much bigger scale...
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Truthfully Darwin? I don't know. Blatters promise of "education" appears to be the only option that's even remotely viable to be honest. They would never take the competition away from them due to these issues, and the only way they would even consider it at all is if the situation in Ukraine descends and escalates even further - making the situation and region too dangerous to contemplate holding such a tournament. When England football hooligans activities, culminating in the Heysel disaster - English teams were kicked out of European competitions. That would be a start... and show that FIFA are serious about this issue. FIFA desperately needs to restore some credibility to itself. Some could even say this sort of crisis is an opportunity for them to prove they can restore their image somewhat... I don't hold out too much hope though seeing as I'm pretty sure they have fined players more for sponsors logos on underpants than for racist behavior by players... The article was more in response to the huge amount of column inches dedicated to the 2022 World Cup and it's issues - despite it being 7 years till that World Cup is due to start - and the ignoring of the very real issues that are happening in Russia at the moment, when that World Cup is just 3 short years away.
Uncle Junior
Guest
We had the same concerns before Euro2012 was held in Poland and Ukraine, where there is also significant problems with racial abuse at football matches. But, from what I recall, the biggest crowd problem from that event was before, during and after the match between Russia and Poland in Warsaw. Before every major event there are people who worry about everything. I remember tales forecasting mayhem as crowds went on murderous rampages in South Africa and Brazil. But both events came and went and I don't recall any issues at all.
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
So what is your solution ?? ...
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I think we'll find that racism at World Cup events will be negligible, if seen at all. Russia will be on show for the World Cup and nothing motivates Russia like national interest (as well articulated by one Winston Churchill). Potential trouble makers will be on notice, much as the criminal element in South Africa were in 2010. If the Ukrainians make it to the World Cup it could become interesting. In this scenario different aspects of national interest collide with uncertain results, especially if they play in Rostov on Don.
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
You're absolutely right there Freycinet1803, particularly about the problems leading up to the Sochi Olympics. During the event it was barely covered as sport took a priority, but I would argue such blatant racism such as monkey chants or banners will be a lot harder to ignore during group matches at the World Cup, and the threat of violence outside of grounds. And the point you make about fixing the Russian culture towards racism is certainly valid and a much bigger issue than any football tournament. For me, it's just further evidence of FIFA's bungling attempts to get what it wants to get done above any thoughts of practicality. I don't think I could have put it better than you did in referencing FIFA's self-importance complex, although I'd argue they believe themselves much more important than God!
Freycinet1803
Roar Rookie
I guess the problem is that this is more than just a sports issue. It is a cultural issue. Remember all the "news" generated by Russia's stance to homosexuals coming up to the Olympics?? It just fizzled out when they came around. The issue may be racism and violence amongst fans (especially of visiting fans) than against players. Unfortunately you need to fix the Russian culture towards racism, which is something bigger than FIFA (not that they'd believe there is anything bigger than them ... except maybe God).