Human Rights

Should Russia Be Banned From The World Cup? There’s Historical Precedent

This week, Russia initiated an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the largest attack on a European nation since World War II. Amid global condemnation of the needless aggression and as Vladimir Putin turns his country into an international pariah, sports organizations have quickly moved to strip Russia of major events. While soccer isn’t the primary concern in Eastern Europe right now, many in the footballing world are wondering: Will FIFA ban Russia from the World Cup? Can UEFA kick Russian clubs out of its competitions?

USWNT Players Used Their Trip To Texas To Make A Strong Statement To Gov. Abbott

The USWNT just won a landmark settlement to end its long battle with U.S. Soccer for pay equity on Tuesday. On Wednesday night, many of those players were back using their platform to bring attention to another human rights issue: transgender rights.

Update On NWSL Abuse Investigation Hints At Lack Of Cooperation

The women’s soccer world anxiously awaits the outcome of a much-needed investigation into widespread abuse of players in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Here’s How The USSF President Responded To USWNT Players’ Damning Letter

USWNT stars have demanded answers. On Thursday, they got some, but they probably won’t appease immediate concerns over systemic abuse in women’s soccer. 

USWNT Stars Send USSF Letter Demanding Answers Over Latest Abuse Allegations

Nine of the world’s best footballers want answers. Christen Press, Crystal Dunn, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Sam Mewis, Alex Morgan, Kelley O’Hara, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn are questioning how so many kids and women were allowed to be abused repeatedly just for playing the sport they love. And the women’s soccer world hopes they get those answers.

For The First Time In League History, NWSL Players Will Be Guaranteed A Living Wage

Let preseason commence — an NWSL CBA has been ratified.

Hours before players were scheduled to report to preseason training camps, the NWSL and NWSLPA reached an agreement on the league’s first collective bargaining agreement, which averts a potential work stoppage right before the 2022 season. The NWSL CBA provides basic minimum standards of compensation and treatment, including paid mental health leave, free agency and no longer being forced to play on substandard fields.

Mexico’s Latest Attempt To Halt Homophobic Chant Includes 5-Year Bans

The Mexican Football Federation is once again asking its fans to not yell discriminatory chants at soccer matches. This time it’s threatening a five-year ban to anyone who does not comply.

FMF president Yon de Luisa announced new plans to stamp out the homophobic “puto” chant from matches on Monday, including lengthy bans to anyone caught yelling the homophobic word at Mexico national team matches. 

A-League's First Openly Gay Player The Target Of Homophobic Abuse During Match In Melbourne

Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo on Sunday called out homophobic abuse that was directed at him during an A-League draw with Melbourne Victory, saying he had "no words" to describe his disappointment.

Cavallo became the first active A-League player to come out as gay in October, drawing support from fellow professionals across the world.

Cameroon Conflict Looms Over AFCON Stadium With Kick-Off Just 6 Days Away

LIMBE, Cameroon - Droves of armored vehicles are patrolling the streets of Limbe in Cameroon's conflict-torn South West Region ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer finals starting on Jan. 9 that separatist militants have vowed to disrupt.

Cameroon is hosting the tournament in six cities, but security is potentially most at threat in Limbe, a city on the tropical Atlantic coast whose surrounding region has been rocked by armed attacks since war broke out in 2017.

China Bans Footballers From Getting Tattoos To Set A ‘Good Example For Society’

HONG KONG — Chinese authorities have banned footballers from getting tattoos and instructed national team players who have been inked to remove or cover them up to set a "good example for society."

A growing number of high-profile Chinese players have been sporting tattoos, including international defender Zhang Linpeng, who has previously been told to cover up while appearing for both the national team and club side Guangzhou FC.

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