More than 20 Members of Parliament are calling for the expulsion of the United States from the World Cup due to President Donald Trump’s alleged violations of international law. The bipartisan group has urged FIFA to consider removing the USA from the tournament following actions in Venezuela and President Trump’s perceived threats towards Denmark, Cuba, and Colombia. The accusations stem from an alleged order by Trump to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, as well as considerations to seize Greenland, a Danish territory.
The MPs have put forth a motion in the Commons expressing concern over the “kidnapping” of Maduro and the reported threats against sovereign nations. Labour MP Brian Leishman, who initiated the motion, criticized the international community and sporting bodies for what he perceives as hypocrisy. He highlighted FIFA’s presentation of the FIFA Peace Award to President Trump, calling for consistency in addressing international breaches.
The motion contends that Trump’s behavior undermines the international order and asserts that sporting events should not serve to legitimize violations of international law by powerful countries. The group, comprising 15 Labour backbenchers, Jeremy Corbyn from Your Party, a Liberal Democrat MP, and four members from Plaid Cymru, also demands that the UK government oppose any double standards in upholding international norms.
While speculation swirls over the USA’s World Cup chances, with odds currently at 50/1 for victory, the US team is gearing up for their 12th tournament appearance. The government has deferred responsibility to the White House to justify the Venezuela operation where Maduro and his wife were reportedly captured and flown to the US to face conspiracy charges.
Amid the political tensions, the UK has expressed solidarity with Denmark following Trump’s annexation threat, and opposition leader Keir Starmer emphasized that Greenland’s fate should be determined by its residents. The situation remains complex as international relations face scrutiny over alleged breaches of protocol.