Whereas the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)’s mission statement reads, the world is a place rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, but also one where many are still deprived of their basic rights. FIFA now has an even greater responsibility to reach out and touch the world, using football as a symbol of hope and integration ; Whereas Article 3 of FIFA’s statutes states, FIFA is committed to respecting all internationally recognized human rights and shall strive to promote the protection of these rights ; Whereas Article 4 of FIFA’s statutes states, discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, disability, language, religion, political opinion … is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion ; Whereas FIFA awarded the Russian Federation hosting rights of the 2018 World Cup on December 2, 2010; Whereas the Russian government consistently intimidates and jails protestors and civil society in contravention of the Helsinki Charter; Whereas Russia increasingly seeks to dominate its neighbors, such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, and undermine the rules-based international order through military action; Whereas Russia has a deeply troubling human rights record, and has targeted human rights defenders including those active in protecting the environment, participating in democratic movements, calling out corruption, and others seeking to practice their rights; Whereas human rights activists have documented labor abuses at construction sites related to the 2018 World Cup, including withholding or long delays in payment of wages, flawed or missing labor contracts necessary for legal employment, dangerous working conditions, and an environment of intimidation; Whereas Russia’s actions violate international norms, FIFA’s values, and the spirit of the game of soccer