Not for the first time you have misrepresented what I said. Never did I say FIFA should keep out of Politics, I said exactly the opposite. Any organisation in their position finds that a task too far. FIFA are in Politics up to and over their ears, they just pretend they aren't. They are lobbied, bribed, "entertained" with holidays and trips, by mostly Politicians i.e. Sports ministers, of all nations on a daily basis. How do you think Kuwait and Russia got the World Cup? On merit ?? Why do you think South Africa got it at precisely the time it was needed to help validate it's failing Government?? On merit ?? Brazil, with cardboard box cities, murder squads and no stadiums ?? The best World Cup I have been to was Germany. It was the fans cup, with genuine fan led street parties, people letting complete strangers have a bed for the night. Friendship, participation, enjoyment, all the things the World Cup can provide. Germany got it on merit and did it brilliantly. I won't be in Brazil, Kuwait or Russia. Anyway, I don't want this to continue as a thread on Politics, it has already gotten off the point and off the rails.
I understand and accept you opinion and appreciate the thought you have put into your argument. I disagree with your position on Russias motivation, as I believe Russia has another agenda which will become evident in the very near future. A move by FIFA could have made a difference, but not to be. Putin is not a nice man as he will prove shortly.
I'm really confused by CP's argument too. FIFA are 'neutral' but interfering too?? And as for Kuwait getting the World Cup, when did that happen? Also, why can't developing nations like Brazil and South Africa get world cups, it should not just be hosted by moneyed nations
Sorry EC I meant Qatar not Kuwait. I never said FIFA are neutral, I said supposedly neutral, to illustrate the hypocrisy of FIFA. FIFA are NEVER neutral, but aligned to the one with the biggest cheque. Developing nations should regularly be first choice for World Cup venues, when they comply with the requirements of running one. Brazil still doesn't comply, South Africa didn't comply, Qatar doesn't even begin to comply and Russia probably will, but right now doesn't either. "Developing" is supposed to include the implied "football" as part of the equation. The UN is there to oversee the development of nations, FIFA to oversee the development of football
