--- "Two Russian politicians are demanding the United States be kicked out of this year's World Cup and has its membership of world soccer's governing body FIFA terminated.
The petition to FIFA was made by Aleksandr Sidyakin and Mikhail Markelov, deputies from the Russian State Duma, which is the country's lower parliament house.
The politicians cite aggressive actions against Yugoslavia, Iraq and Libya as well as attempts to encroach on Syria, as reasons for asking for the ban." ---
A pair of Republican U.S. senators reportedly sent a letter to FIFA president Joseph "Sepp" Blatter on Friday detailing their request. Senators Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) justified their request by highlighting Russia's involvement in Ukraine and what they labeled a "military occupation of a sovereign Ukraine."
--- Since Russia has similarly displayed a brazen disrespect for fundamental principles of FIFA and international law, I hope you will agree that it doesn’t deserve the honor of either hosting the World Cup or participating in one. ---
According to Goal.com, the letter also asks that Russia be banned from competing in the 2014 World Cup set to kick off this June in Brazil. Russia qualified last fall and was drawn into Group H along with Algeria, Belgium and South Korea in early December.
As far as the 2018 World Cup is concerned, the two senators requested that a "more deserving" host be considered ahead of Russia.
The article, titled "Non-discrimination and stance against racism," states, "Discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people" for factors such as race or religion "is strictly prohibited and punishable by suspension or expulsion," per Goal.com.
It remains to be seen what impact the letter will have on Russia's FIFA membership status and future hosting rights. However, it's become clear that escalating tensions in Ukraine have affected the country's perception worldwide.
Only time will tell whether the push to penalize Russia on the pitch will gain momentum. But for now, it appears Blatter and his colleagues will have plenty to consider in the coming weeks ahead of World Cup 2014.
Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.