FIFA again shows its commitment about an international event despite ground level disturbances. This time, it shows its assurance to complete the Under-20 World Cup which is scheduled to be started from June 21. Turkey, the co-host of the event, is going through antigovernment riots; perhaps the situation is much tensed there as police is daily using tear gas and water cannons to spread the public. Istanbul, the host of all eleven Turkey’s world cup matches, is the badly affected area where demonstrations are being carried on by mobs throughout the city. It is among seven cities where world cup matches are to be played. Actually, the mob wants the event to be cancelled – something that FIFA is not willing to accept. World governing body has confirmed through a statement that it will allow football association to carry on the event despite severe protests. However, it has also made it sure that players’ safety is most important and adequate safety measures must be taken by the local security officials. Among all the participants, England looks to be the most vulnerable coz of its geographical location which is drawn alongside Egypt, Iraq, and Chile; however, the good news is they will only need to visit Turkey, if they reach into the quarterfinals.
FIFA said in its statement that “The riots deal with a domestic issue based in two contained areas in Istanbul. It is not foreseen that the tournament areas are affected. We are in contact with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and receive regular updates regarding the security situation. The LOC will continue its close co-operation with law enforcement and will regularly update FIFA.
“Safety and security is one of the most important matters in preperation of any major event. FIFA has full confidence in the Turkish authorities and their developed security concept for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which encapsulates any potential risks.”
Governing body clearly declared public dissent as the domestic matter; hence they are not going to be affected by it. Moreover, football association has also made extra arrangements to safeguard the event including prohibiting public gathering around match venues and not allowing anything inside the stadiums. Apart from that, extra forces have also been called upon to take control of the security. Football Association told about its safety measures that “We haven’t made any extra security provisions for the team. This is FIFA’s tournament and it will decide those matters.”