Andy_Bangle Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 Looks like it will moved to winter? The decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was a "mistake", according to Fifa President Sepp Blatter. He was asked in an interview with the Swiss television channel RTS if it was an error to choose the country because of its hot temperatures in the summer. Mr Blatter replied: "Yes, of course. "You know, everyone makes mistakes in life." ... especially when they are taking huge bribes! http://news.sky.com/story/1262738/fifa-president-qatar-world-cup-a-mistake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 It has been going to be moved to winter for a long time now. It is just a matter of the decision being announced. This turn of events is much bigger news though. He's accusing the French and Germans of putting political pressure on FIFA, admitting to making a mistake and yet he's also seeking re-election. The incompetence of FIFA is never ending. I've no idea what will happen now. The Qatari's must be getting pissed off. The French and Germans will have something to say (what motivation they'd have for driving the World Cup to Qatar is anyone's guess). Michel Platini, as a french Head of UEFA, is in a difficult position now too. How does he respond? The greatest tournament on earth is at severe risk of becoming a sideshow to corruption, in-fighting, claims of government intervention and the latest episode of a man who seeks ultimate power in the game, with no democracy, and refuses to accept blame for anything. If he'd just said "it's our fault" and resigned, fair enough. But no, instead he says it is a mistake and then starts mud slinging. I'm not in the slightest bit surprised though. He is doing his utmost to ruin the game for personal financial gain and ruling power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 I don't think Brazil is going to be a happy place for the tournament this year. Look at the protests happening there this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 Brazil is a sham. None of the transport development is complete (and has been stopped and abandoned), the stadia aren't ready, the test matches haven't been completed (despite being mandatory according to FIFA) and the potential for real physical danger is there for all to see. Oh and then you have the local bars and hotels preparing to rob people of every single penny imaginable. In South Africa, FIFA insisted on the government ensuring fixed accomodation and drinks pricing in particular 'bands'. They've done the same in Brazil but it has been ignored. However, the extent to which it has been ignored is staggering. Fans can expect to pay up to £21 for a pint of lager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted May 16, 2014 Report Share Posted May 16, 2014 It has been going to be moved to winter for a long time now. It is just a matter of the decision being announced. This turn of events is much bigger news though. He's accusing the French and Germans of putting political pressure on FIFA, admitting to making a mistake and yet he's also seeking re-election. The incompetence of FIFA is never ending. I've no idea what will happen now. The Qatari's must be getting pissed off. The French and Germans will have something to say (what motivation they'd have for driving the World Cup to Qatar is anyone's guess). Michel Platini, as a french Head of UEFA, is in a difficult position now too. How does he respond? The greatest tournament on earth is at severe risk of becoming a sideshow to corruption, in-fighting, claims of government intervention and the latest episode of a man who seeks ultimate power in the game, with no democracy, and refuses to accept blame for anything. If he'd just said "it's our fault" and resigned, fair enough. But no, instead he says it is a mistake and then starts mud slinging. I'm not in the slightest bit surprised though. He is doing his utmost to ruin the game for personal financial gain and ruling power. He'll still get re-elected. The fat c unt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soulboy Posted May 31, 2014 Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 The World Cup isn't what it used to be. You used to watch every 4 years and see exotic players from faraway places, in cool kits. Some didn't even know the rules! Now, you see most of these 'rare creatures' week in, week out in The Premiership. It's just not the same now IMO. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted May 31, 2014 Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 I think there's something in that. However, it isn't the Premier League - it is the Champions League. I don't think it has made the competition any less of the 'same' though. It is still the biggest football prize in the world. The issue is a little different in my opinion. The fact is that the quality of football in the world cup used to be the best you'd ever see on TV. Now it isn't even close to the quality in the Champions League. So instead of it being a tournament you'd watch in the knowledge you'd see amazing skills - you don't. You see those in the Champions League (and to a lesser extent the Premier League) regularly now. Back to Qatar for a moment though.... This time last week I was stood outside the newly built stadium for the opening match in Doha. It is finished. Ready. The stadium for the final is very close to completion too. They look incredible, the infrastructure is developing at a rapid rate and the effort and monies being invested are quite something to behold. They'll never play it in summer though. It will have to be a winter tournament. You couldn't play for 9 minutes in that heat, never mind 90. However, contrast that with FIFA issuing a statement yesterday about having concerns about 3 Brazil 2014 stadiums not being ready, and Ronaldo (the fat one) claiming that the government has only invested 30% of the infrastructure money they promised. Brazil could be a disaster and FIFA will only have themselves to blame. Qatar, on the other hand, is likely to be a huge success from what I have witnessed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted May 31, 2014 Report Share Posted May 31, 2014 Qatar, on the other hand, is likely to be a huge success from what I have witnessed. All be it one secured via a multi million dollar bribe fund. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 I think that has been clear from the outset (and Russia 2018 in my view too). I feel for Qatar because they'll deliver an excellent tournament, but they should never have got it in the first place. The bidding criteria states the time the tournament must be played and therefore FIFA had to rule them out immediately. You cannot play football there in June. That meant it was a bribe. The Sunday Times report will be brushed under the FIFA carpet. As long as Blatter remains at the helm we'll have a corrupt governing body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted June 1, 2014 Report Share Posted June 1, 2014 Yeah half of the Times is full of articles backing up the evidence very damning indeed. As you found yourself it is not climate and temperature to play football in let along what potentially seems to have gone on behind the scenes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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