Home » fifa » Page 3

Trump Escalates Feud with US Cities, Threatens World Cup & Olympics in Bold Political Move

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning escalation of his ongoing conflict with democratically governed US cities, former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to strip those cities of their hosting privileges for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The move, revealed Tuesday at the White House, appears to be a direct attempt to leverage the prestige of these international events as political pressure, particularly concerning the deployment of National Guard troops.

World Cup Hostage? Trump’s FIFA Gambit

Trump specifically named Boston as a potential target for removal as a World Cup host city, citing concerns over “escalating crime” and labeling Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as “radically left-wing.” He boldly asserted he would personally contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for a venue change. “If someone is doing a bad job and I feel that the conditions are unsafe, then I would call Gianni, the phenomenal head of Fifa, and I would say: ‘Let’s move it somewhere else.’ And he would do it,” Trump stated. He even suggested Infantino, despite potential reluctance, would comply “in a heartbeat.”

This isn’t simply idle talk. Trump has been pushing for months to deploy National Guard troops to these cities – a power typically reserved for state governors – ostensibly to address crime. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico next summer (June 11 – July 19), features eleven US host cities, including Los Angeles. The potential disruption to the tournament, just eight months away, is significant. FIFA officials have yet to issue a formal response, but a contract exists between the cities and FIFA, making a last-minute relocation incredibly complex.

Beyond Soccer: Threatening the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

The scope of Trump’s threats extends beyond the World Cup. He also indicated he would consider requesting a venue change for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles if the city isn’t “adequately prepared.” While acknowledging the process for altering Olympic venues differs from the World Cup, he confidently stated, “but we would do it.” This raises serious questions about the stability of long-term planning for major international sporting events under shifting political landscapes.

Infantino’s Close Ties and a Pattern of Political Engagement

The situation is further complicated by the well-documented close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump. Infantino’s recent attendance at a US-arranged peace declaration ceremony in Egypt, alongside Trump, has fueled criticism that he is becoming increasingly entangled in global politics. Critics argue this closeness risks compromising FIFA’s neutrality and potentially aligns the organization with governments that don’t uphold democratic values. Infantino has consistently emphasized football’s unifying power, but his actions suggest a willingness to engage with political figures on a level rarely seen for a sports administrator.

Evergreen Context: The Politicization of Sport – The use of sporting events as political leverage isn’t new. From the 1980 Moscow Olympics boycott to ongoing debates about hosting rights in countries with questionable human rights records, sport has long been a stage for political statements. However, Trump’s direct threat to re-allocate events within the US based on disagreements with local governance represents a particularly aggressive and unprecedented approach. This raises fundamental questions about the independence of international sporting organizations and the potential for political interference in events designed to transcend national boundaries.

FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani has emphasized that the decision-making power regarding host cities rests with FIFA, stating, “It is a Fifa tournament, Fifa’s responsibility, Fifa makes these decisions.” However, the pressure exerted by a former President with a demonstrated willingness to challenge established norms cannot be easily dismissed.

The unfolding situation promises to be a major test for FIFA and a defining moment in the relationship between sports and politics in the United States. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest developments and in-depth analysis as this story continues to break.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Indonesia’s Football Journey: A Look at Recent PSSI Leadership and National Team Coaches

Jakarta – The Indonesian National Team has seen a dynamic period of change in recent years,marked by evolving leadership at the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) and the appointment of various coaches tasked with revitalizing the nation’s football program. Here’s a breakdown of the last four PSSI chairmen and the national team coaches they selected:

1. Edy Rahmayadi – Luis Milla (2016)

Taking the helm of PSSI in 2016, Edy Rahmayadi inherited a challenging situation. Indonesia had just emerged from FIFA sanctions stemming from a freeze imposed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.With the 2018 Asian Games looming large, Rahmayadi turned to Luis Milla, a Spanish coach with a strong pedigree in developing youth talent, having previously coached Spanish national teams at various age levels.

Milla lead indonesia to the Round of 16 at the 2018 Asian Games, a meaningful achievement. During his tenure, the senior national team played eight matches, securing three wins, two draws, and three losses.

2.Joko Driyono – Simon McMenemy (2019)

Joko Driyono’

How did Ratu Tisha Destria’s focus on professionalization and long-term planning differ from previous PSSI General Secretary approaches?

Last Four PSSI Generals and their Selected National Team Coaches

The Football association of Indonesia (PSSI) has seen notable leadership changes in recent decades, each General secretary (often referred to as “General” within Indonesian football circles) impacting the direction of the national team. This article details the last four PSSI Generals and the national team coaches they oversaw, analyzing their tenures and the resulting performance of Timnas Indonesia. We’ll cover key appointments, coaching philosophies, and notable results during each period. This is crucial information for fans of Indonesian football, aspiring coaches, and those following Southeast Asian football advancement.

Ratu Tisha Destria (2019-2023) & Shin Tae-yong

Ratu Tisha Destria marked a new era for PSSI, focusing on professionalization and long-term planning. Her tenure saw a significant investment in youth development programs and a commitment to improving the overall infrastructure of Indonesian football.

* PSSI General: Ratu Tisha Destria

* National Team Coach: Shin tae-yong (Appointed January 2020 – Present)

Shin Tae-yong, a South Korean tactician known for his work with the South Korean national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was tasked with rebuilding Timnas Indonesia. His appointment signaled a shift towards a more structured and disciplined approach to the game.

* Coaching Philosophy: Emphasis on tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and youth integration.Shin Tae-yong favors a possession-based style with speedy transitions.

* Key Achievements (Under Tisha & Shin):

* Reached the semi-finals of the 2020 AFF championship (delayed to December 2021).

* Qualified for the 2024 AFC U-23 Championship.

* Significant improvement in FIFA ranking, though consistent qualification for major tournaments remains a challenge.

* Challenges: Bureaucratic hurdles within PSSI and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic substantially hampered Shin Tae-yong’s initial plans. League disruptions also affected player preparation.

Joko Driyono (2015-2019) & Simon McMenemy/Alfred Riedl (Interim)

joko Driyono’s period was marked by attempts to stabilize Indonesian football following a FIFA suspension (2015-2016). He focused on restoring international credibility and rebuilding the domestic league. This era saw a revolving door of coaches.

* PSSI General: Joko Driyono

* National Team Coaches:

* Alfred Riedl (Interim, 2016-2017) – Primarily focused on the 2016 AFF Championship.

* Simon McMenemy (2018-2019) – Appointed with the aim of long-term development.

* Coaching Approaches:

* Riedl: Experienced in Southeast Asian football, favored a pragmatic and results-oriented approach.

* McMenemy: A British coach aiming to implement a more modern, possession-based style.

* Key Events:

* Indonesia reached the final of the 2016 AFF Championship under Riedl, losing to Thailand.

* McMenemy’s tenure was largely unsuccessful, with poor results in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign and the 2018 Asian Games.

* Challenges: The shadow of the FIFA suspension and the need to quickly rebuild the national team created significant pressure.

Azwan Karim (2013-2015) & Jacksen F.Tiago/Norbert Wiacker (Interim)

Azwan karim’s tenure was a turbulent period for Indonesian football, culminating in the FIFA suspension. He faced immense pressure to address issues of governance and corruption within PSSI.

* PSSI General: Azwan Karim

* National Team Coaches:

* Jacksen F. Tiago (2013-2014) – A Brazilian coach brought in to revitalize the team.

* Norbert Wiacker (Interim, 2014) – Stepped in briefly following Tiago’s departure.

* Coaching Styles:

* Tiago: Focused on attacking football and individual brilliance.

* Wiacker: A short-term appointment with limited impact.

* Notable Moments:

* Tiago’s initial appointment generated excitement, but results were inconsistent.

* The political turmoil within PSSI overshadowed any on-field progress.

* Challenges: The escalating conflict between PSSI and the Indonesian government led to the FIFA suspension, severely impacting the national team’s development. This period is often cited as a low point for Indonesian football.

George Toisutta (2005-2013) & Benny Dollo/Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto/Nilmaizar (Multiple Changes)

George Toisutta’s long tenure as PSSI General Secretary spanned a period of significant change and

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

The Price of Neutrality: FIFA’s Stance on Geopolitics and the Future of Sports Bans

The world’s most popular sport is facing a reckoning. While FIFA swiftly ejected Russia from competition following the invasion of Ukraine, its reluctance to apply similar pressure to Israel amidst escalating accusations of genocide in Gaza is sparking outrage and raising a critical question: is sporting neutrality truly possible – or even ethical – in the face of grave human rights violations? This isn’t just about football; it’s a bellwether for how international organizations will navigate increasingly complex geopolitical landscapes, and the potential for a fractured future of global sports.

A Double Standard Under Scrutiny

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that “football cannot resolve geopolitical problems,” emphasizing the sport’s role in promoting “peace and unity.” Yet, the swift action taken against Russia demonstrably contradicts this stance. The disparity has fueled accusations of hypocrisy, with critics pointing to a perceived double standard driven by political considerations. Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian Football Federation, succinctly captured the sentiment: “If Russia is out, Israel should be out too.” This isn’t a fringe opinion; it represents a growing demand for consistent application of ethical principles within the sporting world.

The Shifting Sands of International Law and Sporting Governance

The situation is further complicated by the escalating legal and moral weight of accusations against Israel. Increasingly, experts – including those commissioned by the United Nations and respected human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch – are using terms like “genocide” to describe the actions in Gaza. These aren’t simply political accusations; they represent a serious legal challenge that could have far-reaching consequences. Human Rights Watch’s report detailing the intentional deprivation of water is a particularly stark example.

This legal scrutiny places immense pressure on FIFA. While the organization may claim to be apolitical, inaction in the face of potential genocide is, in itself, a political statement. The precedent set by the Russia ban demonstrates FIFA can act decisively based on geopolitical factors, even when those factors are contentious.

The Rise of National Football Federations as Moral Actors

Interestingly, the pressure isn’t solely coming from international bodies. National football federations, like Norway, are increasingly willing to take independent stances. Klaveness’s public call for a ban, despite the potential ramifications for her team’s World Cup qualifying chances, signals a shift in power dynamics. Federations are recognizing their own moral obligations and are no longer content to passively follow FIFA’s lead. This trend could lead to a more fragmented, but potentially more ethically grounded, global football landscape.

Beyond Bans: The Future of Sporting Sanctions

The debate extends beyond outright bans. Other potential sanctions are being discussed, including:

  • Individual Player Sanctions: Targeting players and officials linked to regimes accused of human rights abuses.
  • Venue Restrictions: Preventing countries accused of serious violations from hosting major sporting events.
  • Increased Scrutiny of Sponsorships: Examining the ethical implications of partnerships with companies and individuals connected to controversial governments.
  • Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence: Requiring all member associations to demonstrate a commitment to human rights principles.

These measures represent a move towards a more proactive and comprehensive approach to ethical governance in sports.

The Long Game: Protecting the Integrity of Global Competition

FIFA’s current approach risks eroding the integrity of international competition. If sporting bodies are perceived as prioritizing political expediency over ethical principles, it will undermine public trust and potentially lead to boycotts and further fragmentation. The long-term health of global sports depends on establishing clear, consistent, and enforceable ethical standards. The question isn’t whether sports should be political – they inevitably are – but whether they will be consciously political, guided by principles of justice and human rights, or remain vulnerable to manipulation and accusations of hypocrisy.

What role do you think national football federations should play in holding FIFA accountable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.