Politics and sport have been intertwined for hundreds od years.. So much so that the list of examples is too long to recall. But one of the most famous is Hitler's attempt at a show of power of his famed aryan race at the 1938 Olympics, only to be upstaged by a young black Jesse Owens from the USA. Also Tommie Smith and John Carlos with their famous black power salute in 1968... These two events were both positive acts in the long term history of sport. Like it or not, Sport is a huge tool in political positioning, even today with nations hosting to flex their muscles (Beijing opening ceremony) and governments outlining policies for sport to try and sway public opinion. The two sit hand in hand. As for this boycott. I can't see it happening. From what I have read the boycott is a threat that we would not enter the World cup whilst Blatter is in charge. Ultimately if a handful of major nations agreed upon this, the calls for Blatter to step down would move from a quiet few to quite a loud majority and wouldn't require anyone missing out on the World cup.... Though this is all very hypothetical as it seems Blatter won't leave that job until the day he dies
That's not actually true though is it? I'd heard that explanation before but after a bit of research it turns out that's an urban myth
It was DEFINITELY sponsored by the New York World Newspaper in the early 1900's but some dispute that, though for the life of me I don't understand why!
I hereby refer the Honourable Gentleman to my original post and stick by it. We will be the UKIP World Champions of Darts and bugger all else.
The German and Dutch FA's have released fairly strong anti-FIFA statements in recent weeks, so there could be two allies there. Having the reigning champions pull out would be a huge blow for FIFA.
Maybe they are just angling for another Workd cup or Euro championship it's been ages since the Dutch or Krauts hosted a major tournament the French deserve one as well.
In fact everyone deserves one, except us of course. I see Blatter is refusing to release the full Garcia report, but no surprise there.
Excellent post KOPR and yes, I agree wholeheartedly that Blatter will only leave when he's drawn his last breath!!!!
This smokescreen yesterday about how FIFA submitting a "criminal complaint" shows their transparency (according to Blatter at least) is nothing more than that, a complete and utter smokescreen. The individuals they have lodged the complaint against are the two former FIFA members who have already been 'found out' in Warner and Bin Hamman. It's ridiculous, completely beyond farce - you almost couldn't make it up!
That is where you are totally wrong Mr. Munky. FIFA can and do make anything up, like the conclusions drawn from their own recent report. They are their own judge and jury and effectively write their own cheques. This is why we have to wipe the slate clean and start afresh.
I remember when we found out that we were not in the frame to host the next 2 world cups. Condemnation from Cameron, members of the Royal Family and the press, an uproar if you wish of "how dare you". What did FIFA do? Nothing, they don't care. They don't have to answer to us and they know it. They make the rules and everyone knows that the organisation is as bent as a 9 bob note. Do you think Blatter and co care about us at all? Not one bit. It's fraud on a massive scale but they are their own judge and jury so there is no one else to answer to. They even try and screw over the guy who conducted and submitted the report to make it sound credible. If you just look at the facts. Our country would be pretty much ready now to hold a major tournament. We have the stadia, infrastructure, climate......everything. What does Qatar have? Nothing. What does Russia have? A massive hooligan problem and are starting another cold war! You just couldn't make it up to be honest. The whole thing stinks.
