There where some very sour losers this weekend after FIFA, the worldwide governing body of associated football, announced its executive committee’s decision to declare Russia and Qatar winners of the bid to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup respectively. Even President of the United States, Barack Obama, publicly criticized the Federations’ decision stating that they (FIFA) had made the wrong decision. The United States, England and Australia were among the strongest candidates that were not taking into consideration for the next two World Cups.
As per usual, the decision by FIFA was surrounded by a series of allegations and controversies. All though hosting a World Cup implies a very significant investment on the local government; the economical benefits most certainly out weight the initial investment. Still, many believe that there is too much politics involved in offering Russia and Qatar a chance to host the World Cup.
Russia’s economy is not exactly the most stable in the region, and there is a very significant amount of money that has to be placed upon generating the ideal conditions, say infrastructure, security and logistics to host such an important event. Qatar, although having a very deep pocket, has on its own never qualified to the World Cup, and even though there has been a great investment in promoting the sport, there is still a big concern in regards to how teams are going to accommodate to the Persian Gulf’s summer weather, as temperatures can hit 43 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit) during the month of June, when the tournament is held.
The Russian, although a bit more expected, have had to deal with some skepticism by the press of other European countries that applied for the bid. Spain and Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium had applied jointly, but it has been the English press who has been the most critical about FIFA’s decision to give the tournament to Russia. Some have said that this is a decision won by the economic power brought by gas and oil to Russia and Qatar. It seems as if they where implying that money, big money, has something to do with soccer. What gives?
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