stryker Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 The race card is just the beginning. Wait till they play the Muslim card. Virtually the entire Arab world or at least the Gulf countries will stand behind the Qataris on this. They are cornered, but this is the play that can force FIFA to make sure the World Cup stays in Qatar. Does FIFA really want to deal with a political firestorm? I don't think so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StefanMUC Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 So obviously, Qatar may not be well liked in the Arab world, but when they have a common enemy (Blattersepp, in a rare alliance with Western media), they probably pull themselves together. I read today that UEFA is willing to go all out against Blatter and find a suitable opponent for the next elections (not even necessarily Platini or a European). Would like to be a fly at the wall during those upcoming FIFA meetings.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quaker2001 Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 The race card is just the beginning. Wait till they play the Muslim card. Virtually the entire Arab world or at least the Gulf countries will stand behind the Qataris on this. They are cornered, but this is the play that can force FIFA to make sure the World Cup stays in Qatar. Does FIFA really want to deal with a political firestorm? I don't think so. So obviously, Qatar may not be well liked in the Arab world, but when they have a common enemy (Blattersepp, in a rare alliance with Western media), they probably pull themselves together. I read today that UEFA is willing to go all out against Blatter and find a suitable opponent for the next elections (not even necessarily Platini or a European). Would like to be a fly at the wall during those upcoming FIFA meetings.... As much as the Arab nations aren't all united together, this is something they could clearly band together over and take a stand against FIFA. The Qataris know they got caught with their hand in the cookie jar and now they're starting to fight this, so they'll play any and every card they can think of. And if they can somehow spin this that taking the World Cup away from them would be an affront to the Arab world (which clearly they've already started to do), maybe they can gain some support in the process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted June 5, 2014 Report Share Posted June 5, 2014 So obviously, Qatar may not be well liked in the Arab world, but when they have a common enemy (Blattersepp, in a rare alliance with Western media), they probably pull themselves together. I read today that UEFA is willing to go all out against Blatter and find a suitable opponent for the next elections (not even necessarily Platini or a European). Would like to be a fly at the wall during those upcoming FIFA meetings.... This scandal has all but destroyed Fifa in the eyes of the world's already disjointed and skeptical Football Confederations. Is this the beginning of the end of Fifa? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stryker Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 As long as Blatter and his cronies are running the show, FIFA will remain as it is. In the end, I think you'll see the following: 1. Qatar will keep the World Cup 2. A few FIFA members might get kicked out similar to what the IOC did after the Salt Lake bribery scandal. As far as any other changes to the bidding process, they'll probably be subtle and won't make much difference. This whole thing is just getting started. I currently live in Abu Dhabi and I saw on a local sports broadcast last night an Emirati sportswriter commented that he didn't think there was any evidence to suggest Qatar had done anything improper. I expect within the next week the UAE will be fully behind the Qataris as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoshi Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 If UEFA had any nuts, they'd wait till after Brazil, & then pull out of FIFA. I know I said it wouldn't be good for football to have 2 governing bodies but UEFA would pull a LOT of countries with them if they pulled out, including most if not all of the big countries & markets. If that happened, the sponsors would desert FIFA, & that'd be the end of that. A few countries might take a while to transfer to the breakaway body, but it'd be worth it if it meant the end of FIFA & a clean start for football. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotosy Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Sponsor Sony urges thorough Qatar World Cup investigation(Reuters) - Sony became the first World Cup sponsor to call for a thorough investigation into accusations bribes were paid to secure the 2022 tournament for Qatar, raising pressure on soccer chiefs who have threatened to move the event if the allegations are proved to be true. Soccer's governing body FIFA is conducting an internal investigation into the decisions to hold the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 Cup in Qatar. Qatar's bid in particular has attracted controversy from the outset because of the extreme summer heat during the months when the Cup is played and the tiny country's lack of domestic soccer tradition. If it goes ahead, the tournament is expected to be switched to a date later in the year, creating scheduling headaches for broadcasters and European club soccer clubs. Britain's Sunday Times newspaper has printed what it says are leaked documents showing bribes were paid to secure the event for Qatar, which Qatar denies. Former U.S. prosecutor Michael Garcia, leading FIFA's internal investigation, is due to report in July, around a week after this year's World Cup finishes in Brazil. Until now, FIFA's sponsors have stayed silent. The Sunday Times quoted a Sony statement as saying: "As a FIFA partner, we expect these allegations to be investigated appropriately." "We continue to expect FIFA to adhere to its principles of integrity, ethics and fair play across all aspects of its operations," added the statement from the consumer electronics company. GOING PUBLIC Although the Sony statement is carefully worded, it is unusual for a sponsor to say anything publicly on such a sensitive issue and appears to reflect concern over the knock-on effects on its image. "This underlines that companies need to make sure that any high profile association enhances their reputation rather than damages it," said Andy Sutherden, Global Head of Sports Marketing & Sponsorship at communications firm H+K Strategies. The Sunday Times printed new accusations on Sunday, just four days before the 2014 tournament kicks-off in Brazil, alleging that then-Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam, a Qatari, had brokered meetings between Qatari officials and governments to discuss bilateral trade deals. Qatar denies Bin Hammam was connected to its bid for the Cup. Bin Hammam has not commented. FIFA has already banned Bin Hammam for life from soccer over accusations he paid bribes to win votes for a bid to become FIFA president. That ban was overturned but another was imposed for conflicts of interest. FIFA earned almost $1.4 billion last year, including more than $600 million from broadcasting rights and more than $400 million from sponsors and other marketing partners. Sony is one of six main FIFA sponsors who collectively paid around $180 million last year. Sony's sponsorship agreement expires this year, giving it particular leverage as it negotiates a new deal. Reuters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoshi Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 This is where it gets serious - no way Qatar can hold on if the sponsors say no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamC Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 If UEFA had any nuts, they'd wait till after Brazil, & then pull out of FIFA. I know I said it wouldn't be good for football to have 2 governing bodies but UEFA would pull a LOT of countries with them if they pulled out, including most if not all of the big countries & markets. If that happened, the sponsors would desert FIFA, & that'd be the end of that. A few countries might take a while to transfer to the breakaway body, but it'd be worth it if it meant the end of FIFA & a clean start for football. You seem to forget that Platini (head of UEFA) is part of the Qatar scandal as well. If rebellion starts it will be from countries and sponsors, not from UEFA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted June 8, 2014 Report Share Posted June 8, 2014 Qatar will not be able to mount a legal challenge to Fifa if football's governing body strips it of the right to stage the 2022 World Cup. As controversy continues to rage over allegations of corruption surrounding the bid process, it has emerged that Qatar agreed to sign away its right to take any form of legal action against Fifa when it made its original tender for the tournament in 2010. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/world-cup-2022-special-report-no-legal-action-for-qatar-if-fifa-strips-country-of-tournament-9507194.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Haha - suck sh!t. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olympian Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 i'm so glad FIFA Top Sponsors are now speaking out. Adidas, Visa and Sony has expressed concerns. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Fifa president Sepp Blatter claims allegations surrounding the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid are motivated by racism. Qatar was chosen as host in December 2010 but corruption claims have prompted Fifa to begin an inquiry. "There is a sort of storm against Fifa relating to the Qatar World Cup," Blatter said. "Sadly there's a great deal of discrimination and racism." http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27762435 Not surprised to see this tactic being employed. This weasel would say and do anything to keep his will imposed. Fifa beyond a joke now. Its going to take national federations and sponsors to stand up, as he seems impervious to criticism from politicians or the media at large. Unfortunately I don't forsee that, and this disaster grows. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) It's a new low isn't it? I wouldn't be unhappy for us to withdraw from FIFA for a few years until the current lot are flushed our or else retire. International football is for the most part overrated and - as excited as I get about them - the last two world cups have mostly been dissapointments on the pitch. I could happily watch fast-paced Premier League football every week and nothing else. And if it meant not having to see or hear from shrivelled old potato face again all the better. Edited June 9, 2014 by Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faster Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 It's a new low isn't it? I wouldn't be unhappy for us to withdraw from FIFA for a few years until the current lot are flushed our or else retire. International football is for the most part overrated and - as excited as I get about them - the last two world cups have mostly been dissapointments on the pitch. I could happily watch fast-paced, exciting Premier League football every week and nothing else. And if it meant not having to see or hear from shrivelled old potato face again all the better. The irony of this statement is truly remarkable. The existence of clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germaine, Barcelona and Madrid are exactly what FIFA and UEFA are so reactionary against because those clubs are stronger than any national side. Making the World Cup and Euro less prestigious and not the pinnacle of football they once were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 (edited) All true Faster, and if their reaction to this threat was positive and pushed international football forward I might give a monkey's. As it is we've got Qatar 2022 and a FIFA riddled with corruption accusing those wanting better of racism. Why should we engage? Edited June 9, 2014 by Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arwebb Posted June 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 Another typical Blatter disgrace. Insult your accusers instead of showing why they are wrong. He is a cancer of football and the longer he is left there to spew out such offensive, baseless drivel, the harder he and the rest of the scum he represents will be to eradicate. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 We've missed your posts arwebb! Have a 'like' on me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympic Fan Darcy Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Just waiting for Ted Turner to set up an alternative to the FIFA world cup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Goodwill Cup! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 (edited) Dutch and English FA's call for Blatter to go! Uefa members also unlikely to vote for Blatter in next contest; about time!!! The image of Fifa has been tarnished by everything that has happened over the last years, Van Praag, Uefa executive committee member, said in an interview in the Dutch newspaper Volkskrant from Sao Paulo, where he is attending this weeks Fifa Congress. There are very few people who still take Fifa seriously and whatever way you want to cut and dice it, Blatter is responsible in the end, he added. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/10/greg-dyke-sepp-blatter-fifa-president-world-cup http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sepp-blatter-row-senior-uefa-3671669"]http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sepp-blatter-row-senior-uefa-3671669 Edited June 10, 2014 by Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Snap! Just posted the same news in the FIFA thread. Good to see our FA and the Dutch saying what most fans think. But Blatter has undiminished support across Asia and Africa and UEFA will simply be outvoted if he decides to run again, which is looking likely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Rob, I would suggest the scales are tipping against Blatter. At least, it's moving in that direction. While I understand he has support from other federations, one should not underestimate the power and influence of UEFA. That is the one organization you want behind you when standing for re election. Yes, he may still win with the support from others. But without UEFAs support, his position will look weak, almost impossible. I do hope other nations outside Europe speak up against this cretin. France also needs to be more vocal. We cant always rely on our British friends to be those riding against the tide. This cause is just! Blatter is a disgrace, utter and complete! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faster Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 CONCACAF is not with him, as far as I know. But again the combined forces of CONCACAF and UEFA are not strong enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 CONCACAF is not with him, as far as I know. But again the combined forces of CONCACAF and UEFA are not strong enough. The fact that there is opposition to his candidacy is reason to feel positive. Very heartened by the candid remarks from the Dutch Uefa member. If we can get others speaking out, his candidacy is surely doomed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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