FIFA is a gathering of nasty, mad old men

VikingSven

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A little tongue-in-cheek humour from Simon Barnes at The Times (UK):

THE really good thing about the decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 is that it is unambiguously mad.

It may also be wicked, corrupt, stupid, cynical and all sorts of things like that, but the most obvious thing about the whole business is that it's perfect madness. A strange relief comes from this realisation.

There was once a reader who wrote to me a dozen times a year. I did my best to reply in a sensible fashion, but it was all rather a trial. He then sent me a letter in which he broke cover and revealed himself for all time as mad. I felt the same flood of relief.

I no longer had to deal with him in quite the same way. I no longer had the obligations we have to the sane. So it is with FIFA.

The idea of holding a World Cup in Qatar is so obviously mad that we no longer have to treat FIFA with seriousness. It must be judged from a completely different viewpoint. We no longer have from FIFA the expectation we have of sane people. We no longer have to waste our time looking for rational motives.

There are other clues to the madness of FIFA from this extraordinary voting process. England's bid getting only one vote from a non-English member is pretty crazy - or, at least, utterly blatant in a situation where most sane people would be a little circumspect.

"England's papers proved that we're corrupt, so we won't vote for England." What message does that send out to the world?

Then there was a fine bid from Australia getting only one vote, and a very decent bid from the United States that could only get three. What do these bottom three bids lack that others clearly must have possessed? That three very good bids were barely considered shows a lack of discretion that reveals yet another layer of madness.

The vast and appalling nonsense of the vote reveals FIFA for what it is: a gathering of nasty, mad old men; a bunch who have been driven insane by a certain limited power and a complete absence of responsibility. They are a bit like the Vatican, really, but without the fancy frocks and the need to believe in anything.

And clearly, no one in Fifa believes in sport. There is no sporting reason at all for placing the World Cup in Qatar. There is no serious pretence that any good other than financial will come from this. But these nasty, mad old men have lost whatever faith they once had in the values that football has beyond the financial.

Football is a bringer of joy, football is a thing of union, football is a thing of beauty, football is a bringer of vivid struggles, football is a theatre for heroes and villains, football is a showcase for individual genius, football is a demonstration of corporate resolve - but that no longer matters.

Not to FIFA, for whom the only point in football is money: and from money, power to the mad, unfrocked cardinals of FIFA and the chief loony, Pope Blatter.

But at least we don't have to take the organisation seriously any more. We no longer have to treat its employees as normal people. We are free to treat them as a bunch of muttering tramps, who, for some extraordinary reason, have control of the world's most popular game.

We have to deal with them, if we want to carry on playing football, which is a bit of a bore, but we no longer have to pretend any sincerity.

We can stop bidding for World Cups; we no longer need to have any but the most essential dealings with FIFA.

There is no point in expecting anything good or helpful from people such as these. Might as well expect a rational discussion with Idi Amin.

It all goes to prove an old adage: power sends you mad; absolute power sends you completely barking.

The Times
:)
 

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VikingSven

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Probably, but in Qatar's case there was a compelling financial windfall aspect as well (Qatar has oil, and massive gas reserves that aren't likely to run out any time soon). Compelling enough to go against a number of basic host nation bidding requirements and a poor technical rating.

I also think, in general, the ExCo are legacy building (especially at their age) and breaking into new markets and entering new territories is essentially more motivating and more likely to draw accolades and respect (Nobel Peace Prize anyone?). I'd say many of the ExCo members want to be remembered in a more positive light for taking the game into new territories; certainly rather than for the bribes and corruption.

I also think that at some point the case (perhaps also for reasons of legacy) for an Oceania World Cup will come into play, even though we've thrown in our lot with Asia.
 

Zidane98

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#5
do you think that FIFA's motivation might be more about taking the game to the Arab/Muslim world rather than hosting the WC in yet another 1st world western country ?
If FIFA want to take the World Cup to the Arab world that's fair enough. Realistically only Iran, S Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are the only feasible World Cup hosts in the Arab world. Of course their issue is they are not prepared to bribe and give away natural redsources for votes (Platini forced to vote Qatar by Sarkozy because of a 1 billion euro gas supply contract)
 

McCrann

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#6
If FIFA want to take the World Cup to the Arab world that's fair enough. Realistically only Iran, S Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are the only feasible World Cup hosts in the Arab world. Of course their issue is they are not prepared to bribe and give away natural redsources for votes (Platini forced to vote Qatar by Sarkozy because of a 1 billion euro gas supply contract)
Nice summation - but Iran and Turkey are not Arab and would be very offended to hear they are.

Where did you hear this stuff about Sarkozy?
 

Zidane98

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#7
My bad. I really meant "Middle East" rather than Arab. Heard the stuff about Sarkozy in an article USALion posted - it also says that Qatar made a 80 million dollar grant to the Argentinian FA.
 

McCrann

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#8
My bad. I really meant "Middle East" rather than Arab. Heard the stuff about Sarkozy in an article USALion posted - it also says that Qatar made a 80 million dollar grant to the Argentinian FA.
Even Les Murray - who gets a stipend from FIFA of some sort for being a "good" committee man - said Qatar wouldn't in fact host the 2022 Cup afterall. Read this somewhere.
 

PrideOf

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#9
do you think that FIFA's motivation might be more about taking the game to the Arab/Muslim world rather than hosting the WC in yet another 1st world western country ?
Nope.

Read about how Qatar's walking ATM Bin Hamman bankrolled Blatter's run for Presidency when Havelange stepped aside and it's very, very easy to see why Qatar is going to be a World Cup host. Even with a bid that was technically flawed according to FIFA.
 

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#10
Nope.

Read about how Qatar's walking ATM Bin Hamman bankrolled Blatter's run for Presidency when Havelange stepped aside and it's very, very easy to see why Qatar is going to be a World Cup host. Even with a bid that was technically flawed according to FIFA.
why wouldnt putting the WC in the ME be one of the motivating factors?
There are, after all, over 1 Billion Moslems. Not to mention that the people of the Mid-East are fanatical about Soccer and as FIFA apparantly want to take the WC to "new frroniers" then holding the WC in the Mid-East makes a lot moer sense than holding it here. To claim it was just about Qattars money is just clutching at straws. Another thing, Arabs see them selves as one people and not as seperate countries.
 
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#11
why wouldnt putting the WC in the ME be one of the motivating factors?
There are, after all, over 1 Billion Moslems. Not to mention that the people of the Mid-East are fanatical about Soccer and as FIFA apparantly want to take the WC to "new frroniers" then holding the WC in the Mid-East makes a lot moer sense than holding it here. To claim it was just about Qattars money is just clutching at straws. Another thing, Arabs see them selves as one people and not as seperate countries.
Qatar just isn't technically viable. Without their petrodollars, they wouldn't have won. It's that simple.
 

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PrideOf

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#13
Neither are we, we dont have the infrustructre aside from cricket/football fields.
Which is infrastructure. Qatar are going to have to build EVERYTHING because they have nothing.

What Qattar does have is its location - a gateway to the fanatical socccer fans of the Mid East
Another thing, Arabs see them selves as one people and not as seperate countries.
So why not hold it in a country with more existing infrastructure, a country with more actual involvement in World Cup finals, better facilities and conditions for fans?

That's like saying 'we want to hold a world event in Australia, so we've chosen Roxby Downs. We'll have to build about five stadiums, but that's okay because the mining industry will pay for it. It's a gateway to Australia because it's in Australia.'

So why choose Qatar - a minnow even in the Arab world in terms of size and clout with a bid FIFA said itself was pretty inferior? They're one of the least-equipped of any Arab nation to hold it - let alone the least-equipped of those countries that wasted their time to bid.

It's either because a) they've promised a shitload of petro $$ or b) their head honcho is a close mate of Blatter who helped him get the job in the first place.

Based on the history of how FIFA judges bids, it's c) all of the above.
 

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#16
Neither are we, we dont have the infrustructre aside from cricket/football fields. Niether was South Africa for that matter. What Qattar does have is its location - a gateway to the fanatical socccer fans of the Mid East
Ridiculous to compare Australia & South Africa to Qatar. We've got the infrastructure in place already, we could host the World Cup in four years time if FIFA asked us to now - Qatar couldn't possibly run a World Cup in 2014 even with 4 years notice and unlimited petro dollars. South Africa already had much of the infrastructure in place and was the only real option in Africa where third world conditions prevail in the majority of African countries.

I do agree that the Middle East is a good location for a World Cup. Having said that, Iran & Saudi Arabia are the only 2 countries that pass FIFA's minimum technical requirements for hosting a World Cup in the Middle East proper. Turkey & Egypt could also host a World Cup and are classed by some as Middle Eastern countries.

The very fact that Platini has come out and said that Qatar's climate is only suitable for a January tournament suggests that his vote in the first place was forced on him by Sarkozy who concluded a 1 billion natural gas deal at prices far below market value just prior to the World Cup 2022 vote. Apparently Qatar Airlines also agreed to purchase more Airbus aircraft if Platini gave them their vote - can you imagine the political pressure of your president asking you to vote for a bid you do not support but offers France cheap natural resources and guarantees of billions spent on products made in France.

Beckenbauer has now come out and said that he has no faith in FIFA's 2018/2022 decisions and he will now quit FIFA in March next year. At the moment the only thing preventing FIFA dropping Qatar like a hot potato is Bin Hamma's extraordinary political influence on the exco committee. If Blatter can figure out a way to get rid of Bin Hammam Qatar 2022 is finished. At the moment Qatar 2022 is being used as blackmail against Blatter for the FIFA presidency.
 

Zidane98

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#17
That's actually quite financially prudent.

Qatar: 10mil/vote
Australia: 45mil/vote

:rolleyes:
Yes, we should have dispensed with the formalities of putting together a properly presented, well thought out that has bi partisan support and just put $10 million in the accounts of the FIFA exco. That seems to be Qatar's approach. When Beckenbauer leaves FIFA in March I think we will hear exactly what went down and Qatar's bid will be publically disgraced forcing FIFA to drop it.
 

usalion

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#18
Ridiculous to compare Australia & South Africa to Qatar. We've got the infrastructure in place already, we could host the World Cup in four years time if FIFA asked us to now - Qatar couldn't possibly run a World Cup in 2014 even with 4 years notice and unlimited petro dollars. South Africa already had much of the infrastructure in place and was the only real option in Africa where third world conditions prevail in the majority of African countries.


Beckenbauer has now come out and said that he has no faith in FIFA's 2018/2022 decisions and he will now quit FIFA in March next year. At the moment the only thing preventing FIFA dropping Qatar like a hot potato is Bin Hamma's extraordinary political influence on the exco committee. If Blatter can figure out a way to get rid of Bin Hammam Qatar 2022 is finished. At the moment Qatar 2022 is being used as blackmail against Blatter for the FIFA presidency.


You could host in 2014? With what stadia? Only ones in australia that currently meet FIFA standards are

Melbourne- MCG and Ethiad- you might get one of those, but not both

Sydney- Stadium Oz, or whatever it is called and SFA- SFS needs quite a bit of work, IIRC

Brisbane- gabba- won't happen with two AFL teams in the Brisvegas area. Suncorp- no problem

Adelaide- Footy Park- you thin the Crows and Power will agree?

Perth- Subiaco- again, west coast and Freo- no way, and Subiaco needs work

That is four stadia that meet regs- with England, germany and the US all set with suitable arrangements, you're dreaming to think Australia would get a gig if brazi, fell through

2. Blatter is counting on bin Hamman for support for another term as FIFA head- he is hardly likely to undercut him now, or even after he gets re-elected. hate to see der Kaiser go, but he will, and FIFA will lose a fine Exec member.
 

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#19
So why choose Qatar - a minnow even in the Arab world in terms of size and clout with a bid FIFA said itself was pretty inferior? They're one of the least-equipped of any Arab nation to hold it - let alone the least-equipped of those countries that wasted their time to bid.
Because no other Arab State put their Hand up
 

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#20
I do agree that the Middle East is a good location for a World Cup. Having said that, Iran & Saudi Arabia are the only 2 countries that pass FIFA's minimum technical requirements for hosting a World Cup in the Middle East proper. Turkey & Egypt could also host a World Cup and are classed by some as Middle Eastern countries.

.
I dont think Iran would ever host a World Cup. What would happen if they did and Israel qualified ? Holding it in an Arab State (Qattar, Saudi Arabia) is
one thing (Qattar recently hosted an Israel V Palestine Soccer match and have guarenteed Israel entry should they qualify) holding it in a Nation that wants to destroy one of its neighbors is another, especially if that neighbor does indeed qualify
 

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#21
Yes, we should have dispensed with the formalities of putting together a properly presented, well thought out that has bi partisan support and just put $10 million in the accounts of the FIFA exco. That seems to be Qatar's approach. When Beckenbauer leaves FIFA in March I think we will hear exactly what went down and Qatar's bid will be publically disgraced forcing FIFA to drop it.
Let it go, there's no chance of it being dropped, everyone already knows it was dodgy.
 

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#22
I dont think Iran would ever host a World Cup. What would happen if they did and Israel qualified ? Holding it in an Arab State (Qattar, Saudi Arabia) is
one thing (Qattar recently hosted an Israel V Palestine Soccer match and have guarenteed Israel entry should they qualify) holding it in a Nation that wants to destroy one of its neighbors is another, especially if that neighbor does indeed qualify
I don't know - I quiet like the idea of the ultimate "group of death" - USA, Iran, Israel & Palestine all in the one group :)
 

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#24
Wow, I never thought about the possibility that Blatter could have been repaying Bin Hamman for the presidency.

This whole thing is f*cked. There's no way around that.
 

Zidane98

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#25
You could host in 2014? With what stadia? Only ones in australia that currently meet FIFA standards are

Melbourne- MCG and Ethiad- you might get one of those, but not both

Sydney- Stadium Oz, or whatever it is called and SFA- SFS needs quite a bit of work, IIRC

Brisbane- gabba- won't happen with two AFL teams in the Brisvegas area. Suncorp- no problem

Adelaide- Footy Park- you thin the Crows and Power will agree?

Perth- Subiaco- again, west coast and Freo- no way, and Subiaco needs work

That is four stadia that meet regs- with England, germany and the US all set with suitable arrangements, you're dreaming to think Australia would get a gig if brazi, fell through

2. Blatter is counting on bin Hamman for support for another term as FIFA head- he is hardly likely to undercut him now, or even after he gets re-elected. hate to see der Kaiser go, but he will, and FIFA will lose a fine Exec member.
USALion -

2014 wouldn't be a problem if FIFA asked us to step in now.

Newcastle - already in the process of redevelopment, minimal work required for 40k upgrade

SFS - Needs some cosmetic work, other then that no problems.

Stadium Australia - No problems, one of the best stadiums to be found anywhere in the world

MCG (leave Etihad and KP for AFL) - No problems there

Upgrade Bubbledome to 40k.

Adelaide - semi permanent stands at Hindmarsh to 40k capacity, remove them post World Cup. Done.

Perth - the WA government have an agreement with the Force to build a modern 30,000 seat rectangular stadium. Simply upgrade it to 40,000 and get it built now, or add 10,000 semi permanent seats and remove them post World Cup. Leave Subiaco for the AFL teams.

Canberra - Either build the proposed new stadium or add semi permanent seating capacity to Bruce stadium up to 40k capacity.

Brisbane - No dramas with Suncorp. Add seats in each upper corner and bring capacity up to 60K.

Townsville - Build the proposed 30,000 all seater Dairy Farmers stadium with 10,000 semi permanent seats added. Again, not an issue.


There's your 10 stadiums we could easily have ready in four years time. In terms of public infrastructure what we have now would be fine, although ideally some improvements would be made.

In terms of Blatter, he does need Bin Hammam's support to win the presidency race although once he has won it he then may stab Bin Hammam in the back and force him out of FIFA. I think it is almost a certainty that Qatar would be dismissed if not for Bin Hammam's political influence at FIFA.
 
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