May 17 – The Argentine Football Association has apologised for the publication of a World Cup manual that included advice on how to seduce Russian women.
The advice, which has been condemned as sexist, was given to coaches, players and journalists heading to the tournament as part of a course entitled ‘Language and Russian Culture’ designed to help them prepare for the World Cup.
It included a page titled “What to do to have an opportunity with a Russian woman.”
Those in attendance were asked during the seminar to return the manuals before they were redistributed with the controversial pages removed.
“The teacher in charge of the course selected information to give to those in attendance but unfortunately, when printing it, due to an involuntary error, he included the text that was never a part of the course,” said a hasty statement issued by an embarrassed AFA.
“We express our most sincere apologies to those that were affected by the publication which in no way reflects the thinking of the Argentina Football Association, nor of its president Claudio Tapia or any of its executives.”
Argentine reports said Tapia personally visited Russia House, a cultural institute, in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to personally apologise for the gaffe.
More than 40,000 Argentines have bought tickets for matches in the tournament that kicks off in Moscow on June 14.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734955493labto1734955493ofdlr1734955493owedi1734955493sni@w1734955493ahsra1734955493w.wer1734955493dna1734955493