GENEVA -- FIFA has rejected calls to move the 2018 World Cup from Russia, saying the tournament "can achieve positive change." Russias alleged involvement in shooting down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine last week prompted calls from some lawmakers in Germany to review the countrys hosting rights. On Friday, political pressure on Russia increased when the European Union moved to freeze assets and restrict travel for more individuals and businesses. FIFA issued a statement saying it "deplores any form of violence" and would support only peaceful, democratic debate about the World Cup. "History has shown so far that boycotting sport events or a policy of isolation or confrontation are not the most effective ways to solve problems," FIFA said, adding that global attention on the World Cup "can be a powerful catalyst for constructive dialogue between people and governments." The conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russia separatist rebels escalated days after the World Cup ended in Brazil. On July 13 in Rio de Janeiro, Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a World Cup hosting handover ceremony with Brazilian counterpart Dilma Rousseff. Both then sat next to FIFA President Sepp Blatter to watch the final at the Maracana Stadium, won by Germany. FIFA, which has Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko on its executive committee, said a World Cup in the country "can be a force for good." "FIFA believes this will be the case for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia," the governing body said. Blatter already rejected calls to strip Russia of the tournament after it annexed the Crimea this year. "The World Cup has been given and voted to Russia and we are going forward with our work," Blatter said in March. In a separate statement Friday, Mutko said a United States-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics had been a mistake. "So theres no sense in reacting to politicians trying to make names for themselves," Mutko was quoted saying by Russian news agency R-Sport. "Were preparing in a calm way, building facilities, getting ready for the World Cup." Russia has announced a $20 billion budget for building and renovating 12 stadiums, and other construction projects, for the first World Cup to be held in eastern Europe. Restricting Russian financial institutions access to European capital markets was suggested to a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels on Friday. The 28-nation bloc is scheduled to further discuss the subject on Tuesday. "FIFA has stated many times that sport should be outside politics," Mutko said. "Hosting an event like this, were doing it for athletes from all over the world, for footballers, for the fans." Sebastian Janikowski Jersey . 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Hall had a goal and three assists in a 5-4 loss to San Jose on Tuesday, had an assist in each of Edmontons next two games the capped the week with a goal and two assists in the Oilers 4-2 win over Anaheim on Sunday. Byron Maxwell Jersey . The league announced Thursday that Tom Higgins is leaving that post effective immediately.MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis Grizzlies have signed guard Beno Udrih to a multiyear contract. The Grizzlies announced the deal Tuesday. Terms and length of the contract werent disclosed. Udrih, 31, averaged 4.9 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 15.7 minutes in 41 games with the New York Knicks and Grizzlies last season. He played 10 regular-season games for the Grizzlies, who claimed him off waivers on Feb. 27. IIn the Grizzlies Western Conference playoff first-round loss to Oklahoma City, Udrih averaged 7.dddddddddddd9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 16.4 minutes. Udrih has career averages of 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 10 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Knicks and Grizzlies. He played on San Antonios 2005 and 2007 NBA championship teams. 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