A "graphic poster" is calling attention to the issue of increased incidents of domestic violence during the World Cup. Ahead of this year's tournament, studies showing a correlation between violence and football were "widely shared." A study conducted by Lancaster University in '13 found that abuse in the U.K. increased by 26% when England played and 38% when it lost. To draw awareness to the problem prior to the semifinal match between England and Croatia, the U.K National Centre for Domestic Violence released a poster that "addresses the disturbing link." The campaign, titled "If England gets beaten, so will she," shows a woman with blood "pouring out of her nose" -- forming the St. George's flag (London INDEPENDENT, 7/10).
Kenyans "reacted furiously" to news that 20 MPs traveled to watch the World Cup at the taxpayers' expense. They are watching four games, including the final, during a two-week trip to Russia estimated to cost "hundreds of thousands of US dollars." The MPs "caught the attention of Kenyans when they posted selfies in a stadium." Sports Minister Rashid Echesa said that he authorized only six MPs to travel, "to help understand how to organise such big events" (BBC, 7/12).
Neymar's "World Cup misery may well be complete" after firefighters in France used a picture of him on the ground "to advertise first aid lessons." The firefighters "likened Neymar writhing in agony to somebody in the recovery position and a spinning wheel, urging people to sign up for first aid lessons to help others in similar circumstances" (ESPN.com, 7/11).
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said on Wednesday that Russia's staging of the World Cup "set the bar high for Qatar," the tournament's host in '22. Samoura: "I feel for Qatar, because (Russia) has set the bar very, very high. ... I'd like to express to Russia the dear, heartfelt thanks of FIFA" (REUTERS, 7/11).
