A group of more than 20 MPs has urged FIFA to expel the United States from the World Cup due to President Donald Trump’s alleged breaches of international law. The MPs called for the expulsion following accusations that Trump authorized a mission to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, as well as making threats against Denmark, Cuba, and Colombia.
The MPs expressed concerns over the White House’s considerations to acquire Greenland, a territory belonging to Denmark, and Trump’s warning to the Colombian President. They have called for a ban on the USA in major international sporting events, citing the “kidnapping” of Maduro and threats against sovereign states.
Labour MP Brian Leishman, who initiated the motion, criticized the international community and sports organizations for what he called hypocrisy. He highlighted the need for consistency in addressing breaches of international law, comparing the treatment of Russia to the current situation involving the USA.
The motion emphasizes that Trump’s actions undermine the rules-based international order and asserts that sporting events should not be platforms to legitimize violations of international laws by powerful nations. The group of MPs, which includes members from various political parties, also called on the government to oppose double standards in enforcing international norms.
Despite being an outsider at 50/1 odds, the USA national team is set to compete in the upcoming World Cup tournament. The UK government stated that the legal justifications for the Venezuelan operation lie with the White House, where Maduro and his wife are facing conspiracy charges after being captured and transported to the US.
The US has labeled Maduro as a “narco-terrorist,” while Britain has expressed solidarity with Denmark following Trump’s annexation threats. Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of Greenland and Denmark deciding their fate and discussed the matter with the US President.