U.S. Senators Speak Out Against 2018 World Cup in Russia

(ATR) Veteran U.S. Senator John McCain says that the host of the 2018 World Cup should be "reconsidered."

McCain, a presidential candidate from 2008, would not call for a boycott, but said discussions need to take place to determine if Russia is a suitable host.

Russia has come under fire recently for funding rebels in eastern Ukraine aimed at destabilizing that area of the country. Russia currently claims sovereignty over the territory of Crimea despite limited international recognition.

"I’d like to see the United States and others — say, the British perhaps and other countries — raise the issue in ordinary meetings, periodic meetings that they have. Say, ‘We need to discuss this issue,’" McCain told ESPN.

"It absolutely should be reconsidered, but I would hasten to add that a unilateral decision by the United States would not bode well."

McCain also has support from Democratic senators as well. Senator Chris Murphy, who sits on the Senate Foreign Affairs committee with McCain, echoed McCain’s sentiments, saying Russia should not be "rewarded" for its actions Wednesday.

"In the face of a downed airliner, in the face of crippling sanctions from the European Union, Putin thumbs his nose at the international community," Murphy said.

"I’m not sure how you reward this guy and his government with a major, international competition."

Written by Aaron Bauer

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.