FIFA is planning on holding the next football World Cup in Russia. This is despite criticism in the run up to the Olympics and Paralympics of Russia's new anti-gay laws and the crackdown taking place against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Russia.



It doesn't stop there. Russia's most recent actions sees the eyes of the world firmly upon the crisis in the Ukraine. Governments worldwide are currently considering sanctions against Russia. FIFA can support these sanctions by withdrawing its intention of holding the 2018 World Cup there. It would show that FIFA stand by its commitments to football being a game about peace and respect for one and another.

Last year a petition highlighted the blatant infringement of both LGBT and human rights, and requested that the Olympics Committee relocate the games to show Vladimir Putin that his actions were reprehensible. Although in excess of 150,00 signatures were added within just a few days, sadly the International Olympic Committee was unable to act due to time limitations.

But we have four years until FIFA plan to bring the football World Cup to Russia. There is time to stop this.

Soccer fields and stadiums have long been a boiling pot of homophobic and racial tensions. Both the FA here in the UK and UEFA are beginning to tackle this problem. It is time they add full support to all of our causes and take a stand for LGBT rights around the world.

FIFA must act now. The decision of where to hold the World Cup will affect millions of people across the globe, we hope its choices are ones that will improve lives and not support oppression.