Getting Ahead of the Story

Earlier I blogged about a bit of sports diplomacy which the Russians had announced, that they were going to have an alcohol-free Olympic camp at the London 2012 games (This Bit of Sports Diplomacy is Smart Politics). Very smart, I thought, considering the bad reputation which Russia has in regard to alcohol (definitely check out the World Health Organization's 2011 "Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health," it's a very good read.)

Now the other shoe drops. Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that he may allow beer sales at World Cup venues during the 2018 competition, according to AP (here's the link to the story on the ESPN site):

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he'll reconsider the ban on beer at sports stadiums ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Putin was questioned about the ban Thursday when he and FIFA president Sepp Blatter met with fans in St. Petersburg as part of commemorations of the 100th birthday of the Russian soccer federation.

As president, Putin signed a 2005 law banning beer and beer advertisements at sports venues.

This Bit of Sports Diplomacy is Smart Politics

Sports diplomacy is nothing new - the story of pingpong and the opening of US-China relations is famous (check out this excellent article from Smithsonian Mag). This year, the Russian Federation is using its Olympic sports team to score political points in an another way, simply to burnish its image internationally.

BBC News journalist Christine Jeavans reported Jan. 13, 2012 (BBC News: London 2012: Team Russia plans alcohol-free royal base) that

The Royal Household wants to rent out a field next to Kensington Palace Russia's public base for London 2012 will be a "family friendly" alcohol-free space on royal land, officials have announced.

The proposed site for Team Russia Park, which would be open to the public for the duration of the Olympic Games, is Perks Field, next to Kensington Palace.

The land is currently used for football matches, archery and school events and has a helicopter landing pad.

Russia plans to turn it into a space where people can support the team.

At a Russian Embassy launch on Thursday evening, officials said they aimed to create "a little piece of Russia in the heart of London," with folk music, traditional food and "true Russian hospitality" - but no vodka.

"If people want to drink they will have to go to the big screens in Hyde Park," said Edward Cowell of event management company Eventica.

The focus for the park, which will also have fashion shows, a sports area and screens for Olympic action, is a healthy participation in sport, he said.

Russian athletes past and present will offer masterclasses and families can enjoy a kids zone.

"We would like to increase the number of people who participate in sport and engage in a healthy lifestyle," said Akhmed Bilalov, Vice President of the Russian Olympic Committee.

For more here's the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16543167