A group of more than 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) is urging FIFA to remove the United States from the World Cup due to alleged international law violations by President Donald Trump. The MPs are concerned about the US government’s actions in Venezuela and Trump’s perceived threats towards countries like Denmark, Cuba, and Colombia. Trump has been accused of illegal behavior for authorizing an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The MPs are specifically troubled by reports that the White House is considering seizing Greenland, a territory of Denmark, and Trump’s warnings to Colombian President Gustavo Petro. These actions have prompted the MPs to call for a ban on the US participating in major global sporting events. They argue that such behavior undermines the rules-based international order and should not be condoned through sports.
Labour MP Brian Leishman, who spearheaded the motion, criticized what he sees as inconsistency in the international community’s response to Trump’s actions. He pointed out that while he is critical of Maduro, the breach of international law should be addressed with uniformity. The group of MPs, which includes members from various political parties, also emphasized the need for the UK government to oppose double standards in enforcing international norms.
The USA, as the host nation, currently has low odds of winning the upcoming World Cup. The government has stated that it is up to the White House to provide legal justification for the operation in Venezuela, where Maduro was captured and taken to the US to face charges. The UK has expressed support for Denmark following Trump’s remarks about annexing Greenland, citing national security concerns.
Keir Starmer, a prominent figure in UK politics, stressed that the fate of Greenland should be determined by its people and Denmark, following discussions with the US President.