Martin Samuel argues that UEFA should expel Russian football from all European competitions as a significant sanction against the country’s aggression in Ukraine. This action would impact Russian identities tied to European football and send a strong message against Putin’s regime. Samuel suggests that this expulsion would resonate with fans and is a necessary step, despite UEFA’s current inaction, due to financial ties with Russian sponsors.
In a compelling argument for more severe sanctions against Russia due to its actions in Ukraine, journalist Martin Samuel suggests that UEFA should expel Russian football from all European competitions. This drastic measure would serve as a genuine sanction, impacting Russian fans who do not view Asia as their home, sending a strong message against Putin’s regime. Russia has established a significant presence in European football, making this proposed expulsion especially meaningful. This would not prevent Russian teams from competing globally, but rather restrict their participation in UEFA-hosted events, emphasizing the disconnect between Russia’s portrayal of itself and its current international behavior.
Samuel posits that the absence of Russian clubs in European leagues would adversely affect them domestically. With history illustrating that the majority of Russian football clubs and stars are recognized in Europe, the loss of UEFA’s competitions would significantly impact their legacy. Moreover, Samuel questions why UEFA has not considered this option, given the international sentiment against Russia and its actions.
He highlights that, although a majority of Russia’s land lies in Asia, the football community identifies closely with European roots. Samuel cites Kazakhstan’s shift to the Asian Football Confederation after the USSR’s collapse as a precedent, suggesting that Russia could similarly adapt. He also points out that, while the majority of Russian citizens live on the European side, a vast portion of the country’s identity is tied up in European competition.
The notion is that UEFA’s landmark decision to kick Russia out of its competitions would resonate strongly with Russian football supporters, who primarily associate with their European counterparts. Samuel emphasizes that this would be a vital step to ensure that the consequences of Russia’s aggression are felt where it matters most: in the sport that holds significant cultural weight for Russians.
In closing, while acknowledging that expulsion from UEFA might not yet be on the agenda, the author underlines its potential effectiveness as a sanction against Russian aggression. With significant money flowing into UEFA from Russian sponsorships, the organization may hesitate to enact such a decision, despite the clear argument for action. Subsequently, Samuel reflects on other topics, including the complexities of high-stakes sports negotiations and athlete experiences, leaving room for a broader discussion on ethics and sportsmanship in the world today.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
