Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalif mostlikely new FIFA president...

[Lilbaz]

FIFA is all about politics and back-handers. We've had the World Cup in England once in my lifetime which is disgraceful when it now gets played in Countries like USA and South Africa where it is a minority sport and Qatar where I very much doubt it has much of a following. The candidates for the Presidency will carry on along the same lines in which case I hope there is a breakaway organisation.

I think you miss the point of playing the sport in those countries. It is in order to grow the sport around the world. Russia and the middle east do deserve to get the world cup. Just not in the way it was done.

 

[Japhet]

I think you miss the point of playing the sport in those countries. It is in order to grow the sport around the world. Russia and the middle east do deserve to get the world cup. Just not in the way it was done.

I didn't miss the point at all and the game should be promoted around the world. What is wrong about it is that the promotional aspect has done a great dis-service to the countries where the game has been played for well over 100 years.

 

[Lilbaz]

I didn't miss the point at all and the game should be promoted around the world. What is wrong about it is that the promotional aspect has done a great dis-service to the countries where the game has been played for well over 100 years.

Which countries have held more world cups than us? Just because the games is popular here and has been played for a long time doesn't make us more special than anyone else.

 

[JerryGarcia]

Oh I dont trust him one bit. I just think he speaks with charisma so i'd support him over the others in this race. But lets be honest, there really isnt any good candidate in this race. They are essentially all a bunch of untrustworthy corrupt bastards.

So this is basically the same as the UK/US elections?

I take it you're voting for Trump?

 

[talkshowhost86]

Yeah, that's my biggest concern around the election too. Who's gonna do the drawing if he gets elected?

That guy who did the Scottish cup draw...he was awesome.

 

[chaching]

IMHO Prince Ali does seem to be the best of a really bad bunch (the shiniest turd). I have a feeling it will be the Infantino guy who just seems to be mini Sepp.

 

[jurgen]

How so much of the power is held in countries that literally have no relevance in football at all is crazy..

But they have much relevance in the world of buffets, brasses and bungs, and that is where FIFA's divining rod points.

 

[Japhet]

Which countries have held more world cups than us? Just because the games is popular here and has been played for a long time doesn't make us more special than anyone else.

Off the top of my head, Germany, Italy, France, Brazil and Mexico. I'm not suggesting that we are more important than anyone else either. We just happen to be one of a few countries that meets all of the requirements to host such a big tournament but never seem to get anywhere near it (even when it's obvious we have put in the best bid).

 

[yankspurs]

So this is basically the same as the UK/US elections?

I take it you're voting for Trump?

I'd jump off the GWB before I'd vote for Trump tbh

 

[chaching]

All it would take is 10-15 larger European football nations to 'take their ball home' and form their own federation. Associations like the USA and Australia would immediately follow along with the remaining European associations. Let Qatar, Burundi and Bolivia continue as they wish. The reduced FIFA could remain happily corrupt yet rather penniless and inconsequential.

Unfortunately Spain and Italy are known to be a bit shady themselves as well as France to a lesser extent, so they are probably happy with the status Quo. As far as I know the ones to have spoken out are England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Australia. I am not sure that would be enough. With the state of Dutch football at the moment Germany would be the only ones really missed quality wise and England and USA for commercial reasons.

 

[littlewilly]

Unfortunately Spain and Italy are known to be a bit shady themselves as well as France to a lesser extent, so they are probably happy with the status Quo. As far as I know the ones to have spoken out are England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Australia. I am not sure that would be enough. With the state of Dutch football at the moment Germany would be the only ones really missed quality wise and England and USA for commercial reasons.

Happy to accept your view. It nevertheless still leaves some pretty significant European and Scandinavian associations who have little tolerance for corruption. My original view was 10-15 nations could rapidly form a new federation, adopt the same laws of the game and appoint their own match officials, and create their own tournaments. I think it would be drip, drip, drip as associations around the world applied to join. At least then there could be a process to become a member not unlike new applicants who seek to become part of the EU.

Let's see how the FIFA election pans out. My guess is we'll be left with highly unsatisfactory leadership.

 

[chaching]

Happy to accept your view. It nevertheless still leaves some pretty significant European and Scandinavian associations who have little tolerance for corruption. My original view was 10-15 nations could rapidly form a new federation, adopt the same laws of the game and appoint their own match officials, and create their own tournaments. I think it would be drip, drip, drip as associations around the world applied to join. At least then there could be a process to become a member not unlike new applicants who seek to become part of the EU.

Let's see how the FIFA election pans out. My guess is we'll be left with highly unsatisfactory leadership.

I really do hope you are right (apart from the last bit which unfortunately I suspect you will be 100% right about an unsatisfactory leader)

 

[gilzeantheking]

Now the Sheikh is in the spotlight

http://news.sky.com/story/1641170/fifa-favourites-fa-did-deal-with-match-fixer