GUEST BLOG: More Than a Game
“Football is more than a game. It is a force for unity, peace and hope,”– Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.
A Test of Principle for New Zealand Sport
Will NZ insist on being allowed to play Iran at the Football World Cup as a matter of principle, or will we TACO out?
New Zealand is a world recognised sporting super-power, we need to use that power.
Remembering New Zealand’s Sporting Stand Against Apartheid
New Zealand set the world alight when we protested against the exclusion of black South Africans from sporting events with this country.
Are we prepared to step onto the world stage again?
What Happens If Iran Is Blocked From Entering the United States?
So far the ‘All Whites’ are still scheduled to play Iran in our opening match at the World Cup on June 16 at Los Angeles Stadium.
The Americans have already announced that Iranian football fans will not be allowed into the US to attend the tournament.
But it is unclear at this stage if the US will allow the Iranian Football players themselves to enter the US.
If the Iranian football team is prevented from entering the US.
The Iran vs NZ game could be transferred to World Cup co-hosts Canada or Mexico.
If the ‘All Whites’ are not allowed to play Iran in an alternative co-host country, could NZ pull out of the World Cup on principle?
Will New Zealand Football Take a Stand?
NZ Football boss Andrew Pranthall says he is in contact with FIFA regarding Iran’s participation but has given no details
Will Andrew Pranthall and New Zealand Football make the same mistake that the NZ Rugby Union made in tolerating the exclusion of black players from international tournaments by the apartheid regime? Or will Andrew Pranthall on behalf of New Zealand Football call on FIFA to live up their commitment to peace and inclusivity and that the All Whites be allowed to play Iran as scheduled, if not in the US then in World Cup co-hosts, Mexico or Canada?
FIFA’s Commitment to Unity and Peace Through Football
Football Unites the World is a global movement to inspire, unite and develop through football. It brings people together, all over the world, to celebrate the beautiful game. It represents the commitment of those who live football – be they players, coaches or fans – to shape our communities and society.
Football offers a universal language, one of joy, peace, hope, love and passion. In a time of conflict, football gives us cause to marvel, cheer, support, share and celebrate.
Entertaining, inclusive and fun, football can forge friendships, encourage cultural discovery, bring joy to communities and unite the entire world…..FIFA leverages the unifying power of football to promote peace, social cohesion and community resilience worldwide.
Through targeted initiatives, the organisation supports regions affected by conflict, provides safe access to football for refugees and drives positive change in vulnerable communities. FIFA tournaments further unite people across cultures and countries, creating shared experiences that strengthen understanding and connection through the game…..
Pat O’Dea is a trade unionist and human rights activist.
You have already heard the current PM demonstrate his worship of Trump so there is unlikely to be any political will to make a stand as you describe which would be the proper thing to do.