FIFA, sports diplomacy and the Bout connection

... means that those who crusade against what they perceive as corruption become, wittingly or unwittingly the servants of cultural imperialism. It cuts both ways. For example, Garcia’s corruption investigation touches Qatar. It’s no secret that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are enemies on the FIFA football pitch and are backing different causes and outcomes in the Syria dispute. The United States, with its retro-fitted Cold War propaganda posture, is showing a certain faiblesse in organizing sanctions to punish Russia for what was a predictable ...