“Sanction FIFA And Putin At The Same Time: Take The 2018 World Cup From Russia”, - Paul R. Gregory for Forbes

Paul Gregory, Member of KSE International Academic Board, Professor, University of Houston, gives his point of view on the situation of 2018 World Cup in Russia in his new article for Forbes.

The soccer World Cup gives the host country prestige, publicity, and international recognition. The World Cups in 2010 and 2014 hosted by South Africa and Brazil–two BRICS countries–signaled their arrival on the world scene. A third BRICS member, Russia, is scheduled to host in 2018. The two largest public relations feathers in Vladimir Putin’s hat are the Sochi Olympics and now the upcoming World Cup.

Nothing could be worse for Putin than losing the 2018 World Cup; it would be more severe than the economic recession and Russia’s declining living standards. Russians can live without imported foods and Turkish vacations, but they may not tolerate being branded as a rogue nation not deserving a World Cup.

Read the article here