FIFA's world cup in Russia

FIFA (international football Assoc.) now finds itself at odds with the Russian anti-gay propaganda laws. Being as they have world cup events coming up in 2018 and 2022, they're now scratching their heads as to how to reconcile their position with that of the laws in Russia. This is FIFA's policy on discrimination:

In the FIFA statute, it states ‘Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of ethnic origin, gender, language, religion, politics or any other reason is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion.’

They said: ‘There are other cultures and other religions, but in football we have no boundaries. - See more

Of course this wouldn't sit well with Russian priests wielding stools leading a mob that's bashing gays. Probably because of the atrocious scenes the world saw that day coming out of Russia, the laws there have gained rather a lot of attention with football fans, especially the gay ones:

Basiurski said it is likely FIFA, when they are in Qatar and Russia, will overtake the law of the land and set out their own rules and regulations. 

He compared it to South Africa World Cup 2010, when FIFA set up its own criminal courts. 

‘They would do something similar. When they are there everyone will be protected due to FIFA’s laws,’ Basiurski noted. 

‘This could mean any regulation FIFA brings in might end up breaking the law of the land.’ 

Basiurski said he hoped football could be used as a way for social change in Russia and Qatar. 

He added: ‘While the risks of Russia may not be quite as legally difficult as Qatar, where gay sex is outright illegal, the consequences could be quite tough. 

‘Anyone going there and raising a red flag could be subject to abuse, physically assaulted and not protected by authorities. 

‘It’s concerning FIFA has chosen these countries where it’s on the table.’ - See more

In the article it describes FIFA's head scratching, and the possibility of having it's own set of laws for foreign people coming to the games. Sounds very strange to me, how the hell could they do that? I'd be pissed off if some sporting event was held here in Sydney under foreign laws bought in especially for the event. Is this really a workable solution?

In any case if I was a football fan I'd not dream of setting foot there. People's fears are legitimate. Will be interesting how it all works out. Could Russia and Qatar lose the world cup venues over this? Again, Russian's seem to have not the faintest idea the drama being created for Russia by these new laws. It's becoming isolationist.