You can read in a man’s face the story of his behavior. We know only one exception: repulsive deeds of Dorian Gray had spoiled his picture, but he managed to preserve his face. Country’s image is its face. Russia’s disgusting actions such as annexation of the Crimea, military aggression in the Eastern Ukraine, repetitive violations of neighboring countries’ air and naval borders, threats to use nuclear weapons, not to mention usage of hydrocarbons supplies for political blackmail are well known. And they has spoiled Russia’s image.
Russian government like an experienced makeup-artist tries to do its best to improve the picture. One of the most effective cosmetics is to strengthen Russia’s reputation as the leading sports and sporting country. Kremlin is using all the leverages to obtain the right to hold the biggest sports games.
Kremlin propagandists are trained to resort to peaceful slogans in sport when the country is in the state of war. For instance, such mottoes as “Sport is an ambassador of peace!” and “Oh, sport, you are Peace” – were very popular and very hypocritical during Olympic Games in Moscow in 1980, when Russian soldiers fought in Afghanistan. Russia demonstrated peaceful intentions and hospitality during Olympics in Sochi against the background of Chechen wars and war with Georgia. After these Games Putin occupied the Crimea. Now Russia is preparing to hold FIFA World Cup amidst its provocations against European countries.
Even the presentation of 2018 FIFA World Cup emblem at the laser show became a provocation. Russia’s territory was mapped with the annexed Crimea. FIFA uploaded this promo on its site and on Youtube. It was available for review for several days. FIFA clerks permitted to demonstrate the slide of the Ukrainian Crimea being a part Russia. It is not important was such an negligence accidental or premeditated. FIFA deleted this promo and adduced an official excuse to Ukraine.
The incident has underlined that Russia ignores one of the FIFA’s main principles, that sport is out-of-politics. This principle has never had any value to the next host of the World Cup. Russia also doesn’t care a bit about the reputation of FIFA. It is clear that Russia intends to use 2018 World Cup pro domo sua.
Russia scored the first goal to FIFA, however it was scored from an offside position. The goal wasn’t awarded but it’s become clear that Russia doesn’t play fair play. FIFA should think about the possibility to show yellow or even red card for such a “player”, before it will hurt world community.