Those exposed to the British media have been inundated by constant whimpers since Fifa revealed that Russia would be hosting the 2018 World Cup. Let me first say that the English tried to have everybody star struck by the figures they sent across to Zurich to represent their bid. While Chief Exec Andy, Prince Willie, Sir Becks and PM Cam gave a truly remarkable and convincing presentation, it came as little surprise that the delegation failed to progress past the first round of votes.
While I’ll be the first to admit that a World Cup in England would be an unforgettable experience, it would do very little to benefit the country in the same way it would benefit others. England is the focus of global sporting attention every week and I find it hard to see how hosting a World Cup would bolster England’s football legacy to greater heights than it already is (barring their national team progressing past the last 16 of course). OK, it might bring the spotlight onto the much-maligned structure at the FA and improve the national team, but there are plenty of other countries which would benefit more. I’m not absolving Fifa of cashing in on incentivised votes, but frankly, I have no hard evidence to suggest they’re as guilty as England (and the BBC) seem to think they are.
It is also true that if Fifa stuck to their manifesto that the World Cup is fundamentally concerned with contributing to a nation’s infrastructure and development, England would surely be lower on the list.
So once again this year the poms have suffered another via dolorosa at the hands of Fifa, whose reluctance to initiate technology to help the officials, bore the brunt of the English backlash in the wake of Lampard’s goal that never was.
In looking forward, I came across some plans for Qatar’s stadiums for the 2022 tournament and I’m sure you’ll agree, they look pretty irie.
Let me first point out that during June-July, Qatar’s temperatures rise into the 40s – hardly conducive to blistering football. But the Qataris have already worked that one out.
They plan to address this concern by providing air-conditioning within the stadiums. I’m sure they’ll pull it off too, as it takes just a glance at their plans to realize that in 12 years, this nation means business. However, before that Vladimir will have his chance to showcase Mother Russia: Na zdorovia Comrade.
To see the rest of these Motherships, head over to [Sky Sports]
