I think Canada's hosting intentions are genuine as opposed to 'raking in the Benjamins.'
Of course the host countries intentions are always good, and its as much about growing the game and getting the exposure within the country and internationally, as well as making a profit.
It's more various members of FIFA that have no shame in sticking out their hand for a cut, no matter the circumstances. Zimbabwe may have "pulled out" in part because they didn't have the extra funds or perks to play "the FIFA payoff game" and Canada, modestly, did, even though the price wasn't likley that high.
Maybe Sepp and some of the other cronies demanded the Truck Room and Polynesian Rooms at WEM...how can anything in Zimbabwe match that?
I thought they were one of two applicants and the other (Zimbabwe) withdrew theirs later?
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Originally Posted by Locke
While thats a good point in light of recent evidence, but I dont think too many people were clamoring to host this particular event.
I think Canada's hosting intentions are genuine as opposed to 'raking in the Benjamins.'
Do we really think these thieves would waive the "FIFA Fee"? It may not have been substantial but I doubt it was non-existent.
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“Such suburban models are being rationalized as ‘what people want,’ when in fact they are simply what is most expedient to produce. The truth is that what people want is a decent place to live, not just a suburban version of a decent place to live.”
This is interesting. If Qatar does lose their bid, who could put together a WC tournament in 2 years time?
I would think US and UK would be the obvoius choices. Perhaps we can go back to Brazil for 2018 since the infrustructure and know-how are there from hosting it in 2014.
I'd say most people in Brazil wouldn't want another world cup, and most people outside of Brazil wouldn't consider Brazil having the infrastructure and know-how to host another one. Rampant reports of unfinished projects and unfinished stadiums.
Germany, USA, England, Spain, France maybe even Italy & Australia could easily host a WC in 2 years time. Even 1 years time. Even Six months' time.
Qatar is 7 years away, so there's still plenty of time to find someone new, especially if they'd be using existing stadiums. I believe this is the first time there has been such a long lead time between announcing a World Cup host and the actual event.
It's certainly not unprecedented for a country to get a World Cup together in less than 6 years. Brazil had 7 years to prepare. Russia had 8. Before that, 6 years was the standard.
The States would make the most sense since they already have enough stadiums of appropriate size that new construction wouldn't be necessary.
I can't see them pulling 2018 from Russia this late, but if they did, the UK would probably be able to host it on short notice because they already have the needed infrastructure in place. Germany is only a decade removed from hosting the World Cup too, so they'd be another option.
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Turn up the good, turn down the suck!
If 2018 and 2022 are reawarded, 2018 would have to go somewhere where infrastructure was already in place, and Ithink kit would stay in Europe. UK, Germany - somewhere like that.
2022 I could honestly see coming to Canada, or Canada/US joint hosts.
Perhaps we can go back to Brazil for 2018 since the infrustructure and know-how are there from hosting it in 2014.
When I was down there the security was intense, I'm not sure if they could even arrange that kind of security in a pinch.
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Originally Posted by CroFlames
Germany, USA, England, Spain, France maybe even Italy & Australia could easily host a WC in 2 years time. Even 1 years time. Even Six months' time.
If it wasn't for France ramping up to host the Euros next year, I'd probably reduce that list to England, Germany and the States.
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“Such suburban models are being rationalized as ‘what people want,’ when in fact they are simply what is most expedient to produce. The truth is that what people want is a decent place to live, not just a suburban version of a decent place to live.”
I can't believe it is almost 50 years since England hosted the WC. I would support an England WC to replace either Russia or Qatar. The Finals at Wembley will be bedlam or mayham if the English side got in. If FIFA wants to restore any credibility, give either 2018 or 2022 to England will be a start.
^Agreed. I was living in London for Euro 96 and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Finally! Someone with a bit of honesty and integrity is stepping forward to fill the vacant positions to be.
NSFW!
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Diego Maradona has claimed that he may be in line to become a vice-president of Fifa should Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein be elected as Sepp Blatter’s successor as president.
The 1986 World Cup winner and former Argentina coach, whose last role in football was as “spiritual coach” to the Primera D side Deportivo Riestra, has been a long-term opponent of Blatter and described him as “a dictator” last month.
Now, it appears Maradona is keen to help out with the restructuring of football’s governing body and has offered his services to Jordan’s Prince Ali shoud he win the election. “If Prince Ali wins, I have many chances to become Fifa vice-president,” he said on The Football Show on Argentinian TV channel America.
“If I arrive I’ll clean them all up. Blatter is afraid of the FBI and the Swiss police. He was afraid to leave Fifa in handcuffs.”
I can't believe it is almost 50 years since England hosted the WC. I would support an England WC to replace either Russia or Qatar. The Finals at Wembley will be bedlam or mayham if the English side got in. If FIFA wants to restore any credibility, give either 2018 or 2022 to England will be a start.
The former vice president, Julio Grondona hated England. He died last year, so England might get more than 2 votes for 2026.
There are those who would have you believe that "United Passions," the sickeningly sweet FIFA-funded biopic of itself is a disgusting piece of propaganda for a discredited regime, utterly lacking in merit. This is not true. It is a disgusting piece of propaganda for a discredited regime, but actor Tim Roth has absolutely nailed Sepp Blatter.
Aside from everything you've read elsewhere -- the revisionism, the omissions, the complete lack of respect for the intelligence of the viewer -- this is simply a terrible, terrible movie. The script reads like a high school musical penned by a particularly weird teacher. Jules Rimet's declaration of intent for "a World Championship" is followed by shouts of "A World Championship? He's mad!" "No!" says someone else. "He's a visionary!"
These are lines so cheesy that they can only be used to preface show tunes.
The English are clearly rotters to the core. At no time here are they presented as anything other than arrogant, xenophobic, sexist and just downright dastardly.
Rous tells Havelange that he'll never get anywhere, he laughs at him, and he does it all while swigging brandy. He's a monster. You suspect that in the director's cut, he's not drinking brandy at all. It's freshly squeezed kitten juice.
Jules Rimet puts up token opposition to his advances. "FIFA is poor," he says, "but that doesn't mean we will sell the one treasure we possess: honour."
"Please, don't misunderstand me," the diplomat says, smiling. "We don't want to buy anything. Let's just say ... we would be especially honoured to host this competition. We have unlimited funds, Mr. Rimet. Unlimited funds."
Now, call me crazy, but that sounds a bit like he's offering a bribe.
"We will play by my rules now," he says after warning a room full of seething executive committee suits to stop being so corrupt. Well, Sepp, how did that work out for you?
