http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28632355 I am pleased he is speaking up. That's how the momentum to change continues. Blatter out!!
If England were to boycott the World Cup I don't think it would have much effect as we aren't a major 'player' anymore. If Germany were to refuse to defend their trophy for the same reason the effect would be seismic, that's the difference, our influence is non-existent. On another note the agreement by which clubs release players for FIFA competitions and friendlies ran out on the 31st July, no new agreement is in place, the major European teams who have the players under contract can now refuse to release them without sanction, this may be a far better way of prising Blatter out...
I agree that our absence would not be as felt as the better teams (though it pains us all to think like that), yet they all love to beat us!! It would still create a hell of a story if we boycotted though they might say it was just sour grapes over not getting the bid ourselves.
The irony is that if Russia were to continue to create problems that forced FIFA to move the World Cup elsewhere we would be one of the few countries with the capability of taking over at short notice. Likewise, FIFA's report on the Qatar bid may result in the tournament being moved or the bidding process being re-run...
Having spent my first week in Central Doha - where nigh on all the proposed WC stadia are being constructed - i can honestly say there is no way it can be managed here safely. Yes you can cool the stadiums but for the supporters the sheer temperatures elsewhere will be restrictive. I cannot over emphasise how baking hot it is here. Also culturally how a muslim country will handle the whole alcohol issue where bars are only found in hotels and public drinking / drunkenness results in immediate deportation will require a seismic cultural shift. The infrastructure will be in place i have no doubt but being here now I cant see how the decision was ever reached on a logical basis. Its 8 15pm here now and 102° with very strong winds and dust storms If it goes ahead it will be a fiasco
Good to know you're ok Wubs, those sort of temperatures must play havoc with the cheese and wine!!!! Must admit I can not visualise how anyone can actually work in those sort of temperatures it is almost borderinhg on inhumane. Keep cool Wubs....
Also i think the World Cup duration would overlap with Ramadan. Ramadan. Fast from sunrise to sunset. No eating or drinking in between. To do so in the presence of any muslim would be considered highly offensive and possible arrest. Same goes for wearing shorts / t shirts. Bare arms & legs at this time would also cause offence. What are they going to do? Suspend Ramadan? Ban all footie fans from wearing shorts tshirts and all food & drink? Bonkers. And dont get me started on the dangers of Barry from Watford landing at Doha airport and driving off in his hire car to watch a match. Its like a cross between Grand Theft Auto & Banger Racing out here.
Plenty of Feta & non alcoholic beer. There was some Irish Cheddar in Carrefour but it was equivalent of £7 for a tiny piece so i didnt bother. Had a kebab instead As a for instance - Its so hot out here right now that my working hours are 8am - 1pm then office closes and we all go home / back to hotel until 4pm when its bearable to go out again and I work to 7pm ish when its still about 102°
More importantly what will happen to the 'hotties' that we use to spice up our WC matchday threads? If the blokes are restricted in what they wear I can't see them allowing a young Colombian lass in a skimpy vest top. Cheers Wubba, take care of yourself out there mate.
