A group of more than 20 Members of Parliament are urging FIFA to expel the United States from the World Cup due to President Donald Trump’s alleged breaches of international law. The MPs are concerned about the US government’s actions in Venezuela and what they perceive as threats made by President Trump towards Denmark, Cuba, and Colombia. The controversy escalated after reports emerged that US commandos were ordered to seize Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a recent operation.
The MPs are particularly incensed by the White House’s consideration of seizing Greenland, a Danish territory, as well as President Trump’s warning to the Colombian President. The motion put forward by Labour MP Brian Leishman condemns the “kidnapping” of Maduro and the perceived threats against sovereign nations. The group argues that major international sporting events should not be used to condone violations of international law by powerful states.
The motion also criticizes what it perceives as the international community’s double standards in dealing with such violations. The MPs, including members from Labour, Your Party, the Liberal Democrats, and Plaid Cymru, are demanding consistency in upholding international norms.
The controversy comes at a crucial time for the US national team as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. Despite being considered outsiders with odds of 50/1 to win the tournament, the US has a history of qualifying for 11 World Cup tournaments. The team has been drawn into a group with Paraguay and Australia for the upcoming event.
The UK government has distanced itself from the US government’s actions, stating that it is the White House’s responsibility to justify its operations in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Maduro and his wife are facing conspiracy charges in the US after being captured and flown to the country.
The ousted Venezuelan leader has labeled himself a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war,” while Britain has expressed solidarity with Denmark following Trump’s threats against Greenland. Keir Starmer, a prominent UK politician, emphasized that the fate of Greenland should be determined by its people and Denmark, not unilaterally by the US.