Qatar 2022 World Cup - Blatternt shambles

The man himself, revealing the host of the 2022 World Cup

It was 2010. The year the pompous, arrogant and deluded FIFA president Sepp Blatter awarded Qatar the rights to host the 2022 World Cup, much to the surprise, or not, of many around the globe. Having beaten off strong competition from; Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and USA, a feeling of shock and apprehension filtered round the world.

Immediate questions were brought up about the climate, 40-50 degrees of relentless desert sunshine during the traditional June to July months that World Cups are usually held, were the first of the concerns. Why would Sepp choose a location that’s as arid as Qatar? *Cough* Bribery *Cough*.

Initially to combat the searing heat of the Qatar sun, it was suggested that games would be played in the evenings and at night, accompanied by air-conditioned stadiums. This was a rather expensive idea. But what’s too expensive for Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, the leading name behind the oil-rich Qatar bid? I mean, it was probably money that won the bid in the first place (don’t seem so surprised).

However it all went quiet in the media at the time about Qatar 2022 with two World Cups preceding the controversial event, Brazil 2014; a country that had its own problems and Russia 2018; also not without controversy.

With the legacy of Brazil 2014 long gone, attention has turned to Qatar again with the newest revelation announced that it would take place in the November and December months rather than the British summer as it always has done. Consequently this will cause havoc domestically in Europe with many Leagues being disrupted, with the majority of players likely to be playing at European clubs. Insanity right?

Well, to ease the pain for us all, Mr. Blatter has in the last few days said that the final will take place no later than December 18^th. Fantastic! That is just the solution that everyone was hoping for! – I can imagine this ran through his nonsensical head as the desired reaction, and probably what he thought would actually happen, such is the man.

So it seems a winter World Cup is becoming a reality. Terrific. But is this episode of antics that were getting used to the biggest problem? What about the 1000’s of deaths in constructing the stadiums, do they not get a mention? Of course not. FIFA’s rich conglomerate status can shut down anything and everything using their powerful lawyers to cover up any little detail they wish to remain unseen.

So obviously from a football perspective, a winter World Cup is not ideal, but from an ethical and human right perspective, it’s far worse. Deaths and proof of briberies are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as FIFA goes, but no one cares it seems. I’ve only seen minimal coverage regarding the shocking deaths of workers something that just gets swept under the carpet. Bribes on the other hand are only allegations although it’s pretty much certain that it happens, but when FIFA possess so much power, probably nothing will ever be concrete with this matter.

So, will football come to its senses? More importantly, will FIFA come it its senses? One can only hope that Luis Figo or another candidate can dethrone the beast that is Blatter in the upcoming elections, however unlikely this may seem.