Why the World Cup should be decentralized | Leander Schaerlaeckens

Expansion and political influence have made soccer’s showpiece too big for one region to handle responsiblySign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterIn retrospect, the 2018 World Cup in Russia looks like a gentle genuflection, a dainty little bow before its strongman leader. Vladimir Putin and his Russian project of gradual conquest were most definitely centered and validated eight years ago: the tournament showcased his nation and awarded its leader prominence of place.This summer, we will...