It seems every night at the confederation cup in Brazil, there is a protest/riot against the cost of holding next years World Cup in a country where many people can't afford basic amenities. This isn't a protest by a handful but THOUSANDS of poor, who feel wronged by a Government who seem willing to spend millions on a football tournament, while their own people starve. Personally I reckon they might just have a point but would be interested to hear some other opinions. Whatever the general feeling, I can't see it being very safe for fans out there next year.
Not millions Staines, but BILLIONS! I am rapidly falling out of love with all professional organised sport and its corrupt ways.
You are right mate, didn't realise how much it was costing to be honest. Makes their point even more clearer now.
The counter argument is that is brings revenue into the country but I suspect little of that gets past the pcokets of the people at the top, whether football people or Government. What was the South Africa experience?
Can't be bothered to explain in too much depth but there's rarely any noticeable economic benefit. Soccernomics is a superb book which explains it well. The gripe is that the public was promised no public money would fund stadia but about 90% of it has been from the taxpayer. That's a lot of roads, hospitals and schools for a country with GDP per head of about $12000
The locals in Brazil are right to protest. Anybody who attends any FIFA tournament needs their head examined. They are the most corrupt organisation on this planet and led by the biggest d***head in Sepp Blatter. I decided years ago that they would never receive a penny more from me.
In musical terms, we must in football be at the equivalent of the pinnacle of Glam Rock with similar garish excesses. We badly need a John Lydon to bring it back in touch with the people who watch the game. Some of these new stadiums that they're building will have NO transport links to get fans to and from the games; seemingly they will be relying on private cars and taxis! What was wrong with the stadiums they already have?
