The months leading up to the World Cup in Russia saw a strong campaign to boycott the games.
It was argued that Moscow should not be rewarded for its many crimes, and for destabilising nations around the globe.
It was feared that the privilege of hosting would serve to whitewash the criminal Putin regime.
Despite Russia's many crimes against humanity, the games have been well-attended. Concerns about 'whitewashing' have proven well-founded.
Many glowing reports have...
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Already a member? Login hereMatthew is EUobserver's Opinion Editor. He joined EUobserver in June 2018. Previously he worked as a reporter for The Guardian in London, and as editor for AFP in Paris and DPA in Berlin.
Matthew is EUobserver's Opinion Editor. He joined EUobserver in June 2018. Previously he worked as a reporter for The Guardian in London, and as editor for AFP in Paris and DPA in Berlin.