Das Gästebuch » ly peaceful, democratic debate about the Wor

GENEVA -- FIFA has rejected calls to move the 2018 World Cup from Russia, saying the tournament "can achieve positive change." Russias alleged involvement in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine last week prompted calls from some lawmakers in Germany to review the countrys hosting rights. On Friday, political pressure on Russia increased when the European Union moved to freeze assets and restrict travel for more individuals and businesses. FIFA issued a statement saying it "deplores any form of violence" and would support only peaceful, democratic debate about the World Cup. "History has shown so far that boycotting sport events or a policy of isolation or confrontation are not the most effective ways to solve problems," FIFA said, adding that global attention on the World Cup "can be a powerful catalyst for constructive dialogue between people and governments." The conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russia separatist rebels escalated days after the World Cup ended in Brazil. On July 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a World Cup hosting handover ceremony with Brazilian counterpart Dilma Rousseff. Both then sat next to FIFA President Sepp Blatter to watch the final at the Maracana Stadium, won by Germany. FIFA, which has Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko on its executive committee, said a World Cup in the country "can be a force for good." "FIFA believes this will be the case for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia," the governing body said. Blatter already rejected calls to strip Russia of the tournament after it annexed the Crimea this year. "The World Cup has been given and voted to Russia and we are going forward with our work," Blatter said in March. In a separate statement Friday, Mutko said a United States-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics had been a mistake. "So theres no sense in reacting to politicians trying to make names for themselves," Mutko was quoted saying by Russian news agency R-Sport. "Were preparing in a calm way, building facilities, getting ready for the World Cup." Russia has announced a $20 billion budget for building and renovating 12 stadiums, and other construction projects, for the first World Cup to be held in eastern Europe. Restricting Russian financial institutions access to European capital markets was suggested to a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels on Friday. The 28-nation bloc is scheduled to further discuss the subject on Tuesday. "FIFA has stated many times that sport should be outside politics," Mutko said. "Hosting an event like this, were doing it for athletes from all over the world, for footballers, for the fans." Paul Byron Canadiens Jersey . Two weeks after suffering a concussion, Foles will start in place of Michael Vick, who is out for the second time this season with a hamstring injury. 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Lyon, Valencia and AZ Alkmaar will also be in Fridays draw in Nyon, Switzerland, where the team to avoid will be Juventus -- even though the Italian champions made heavy work of their all-Italian last-16 match against Fiorentina.Sir Ian Botham says James Vince must play for England in Thursdays first Investec Test against Sri Lanka. The Hampshire captain is in line to make his long-awaited Test debut at Headingley having staked his claim with some excellent performances in Englands Lions and one-day squads.Vince bats at No 3 for his county, a position currently held in the England side by Middlesexs Nick Compton, but could come straight in at No 5 following James Taylors early retirement. The 25-year-old caught the eye with a brilliant century against Yorkshire at Leeds two weeks ago and Botham believes he could get his chance in his preferred position of first wicket down.Vince must play, and could bat at three but it depends on how they (the selectors) want to go and if they stick with Compton, said Botham. Hes been knocking on the door for a while, hes been in great form and deserves his chance. James Vince could make his debut when England play Sri Lanka in the 1st Test at Headingley. Id bat him at three, Joe Root at four and Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes at five and six, but they may place trust in their bowlers and decide to go for an extra batsman, well just have to see.The England legend does not expect a repeat of Sri Lankas series win against England two years ago and is tipping Alastair Cooks side to complete a 3-0 series whitewash.Botham added: England should win the series comfortably. They played well in the winter and should be far too strong for this inexperienced Sri Lanka side. We take a look back at the England v Sri Lanka Test series for 2014, where there was heartbreak for James Anderson.dddddddddddd The weather could have a say, I know rain is forecast for Headingley, but I still think they will win 3-0.Captain Cook heads into the match 36 runs shy of becoming the first Englishman to score 10,000 Test runs and Botham is confident the in-form opener will achieve the landmark early in the series.Hell get there and can go on and get another 3,000 Test runs, it just depends how long he wants to keep going, added Botham, who has picked Cook at 9/4 to be Englands leading run scorer in the series, one of his Beefys Bets. Beefys Bets Beefys backing Jonny Bairstow to top score in the 1st inns at Headingley at 8/1 with Sky Bet The former England skipper is also putting his money behind Englands record-breaking bowler Jimmy Anderson to be Englands top wicket-taker in both the first Test and the Series at 9/4 and 5/2 respectively with Sky Bet.Jimmy has been bowling really well for Lancashire. Hes played more matches than the other bowlers, hes fit and is the man to follow, he added.Watch England and Sri Lankas first Investec Test, at Headingley, from 10am, Thursday, Sky Sports 2. Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV. Get Sky Sports Alerts Breaking news from the England Cricket team, direct to your mobile Also See: England v Sri Lanka on Sky Sports Jayawardene: Great challenge for SL Bumbles Blog The 10,000 run club ' ' '