*By Michael Teich*
Russia is still three victories away from hoisting up the FIFA World Cup 2018 trophy, but President Vladimir Putin may already be the tournament's champion.
"This is nothing but a diplomatic and political win for Putin," said Jeffrey Marcus, publisher of [The Banter](http://jointhebanter.com/).
Russia’s victory over soccer powerhouse Spain in Sunday's Round of 16 shocked the sports community and prompted speculation that corruption could be a factor in the historic upset.
The country already engineered to get the World Cup by throwing money around to FIFA officials, said Marcus, and now it could be motivated to influence the outcome of matches. Marcus himself said he joked in his [daily newsletter](https://mailchi.mp/7947f595e587/world-cup-banter-kicks-from-the-penalty-mark) that "this was the biggest Russian upset since the 2016 election."
But Putin shouldn't feel the need to rig the games, Marcus said, because the Russian leader's World Cup campaign is successful just by "having a positive tournament that has gone on without a hitch."
“He looks like the leader of a legitimate government and an open society where people are having fun and rallying around soccer,” said Marcus.
“All of the other stuff when it comes to Russian politics and what Putin’s been doing has been brushed to the side.”
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/why-putin-is-the-world-cups-biggest-winner).
NHL players will be allowed to use Pride tape this season after all with the reversal of a ban that sparked a backlash around hockey and among LGBTQ+ advocates in sports.
The NBA’s 78th season starts Tuesday, with a ring ceremony in Denver — the traditional celebration of the reigning champions — highlighting the opening-night celebration. The Nuggets beat Miami last June to become the league’s fifth different champion in the last five years, a run of parity the likes of which the league hasn’t seen in more than 40 years.
The Las Vegas Aces became the first team in 21 years to win back-to-back WNBA championships, getting 24 points and 16 rebounds from A’ja Wilson and a defensive stop in the closing seconds to beat the New York Liberty 70-69 in Game 4 of the Finals.
