LettersIf play during World Cup 2022 can be governed by global rules, why can’t war?
- Readers discuss atrocities committed during the Ukraine war, the relative silence on alleged war crimes by Ukraine, and the role China can play in ending the war
The International Football Association Board’s Laws of the Game are the codified rules that govern all aspects of play, as is the case for many sporting codes. Universally agreed rules in sport help to ensure certainty, fairness and security for officials, players, fans and commercial partners. Transgressions of a sporting code’s governing rules can result in consequential and enforceable penalties.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raises a difficult question for humanity. Should war be governed by universally agreed laws, or are some nations above all others? While nations readily agree globally on a binding set of rules to kick around a soccer ball, they disagree on the need for international laws of war to protect vulnerable civilians.
According to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, war crimes include murder, torture, wilfully causing great suffering, and forcible transfer. Intentional attacks on innocent civilians, civilian objects, undefended communities, buildings or assets related to health, education, science, culture and religion are considered serious violations of international law.