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In what must go down as one of the most outrageous pieces of anti-World Cup hysteria ever seen in the mainstream media, Herald Sun readers awoke to discover that the city of Melbourne was to be taken over by a threat greater than the Martians.
Yes, FIFA, the omnipotent alien organisation will order that “all Melbourne bars would be granted late-night opening in a push by global soccer chiefs to seize control of our city if Australia hosts the World Cup”.
Is the Herald Sun implying, that we Australians, unlike most Western civilisations have trouble holding our drink and as a result, this FIFA edict could leave us disturbingly legless.
This demand plus many other “onerous” conditions as reported by the paper can be found in FIFA’s World Cup Host City Agreement.
According to the Herald Sun, the very fabric of Melbourne is under threat because during the hosting of the World Cup Melbourne will:
“Lose any road or restrict public access to roads at any time during the event.”
“Devote special traffic lanes and provide police escorts for FIFA officials, teams and VIP guests.”
“Keep airports open later into the night and open them early in the morning.”
“Give special treatment to preferred commercial partners, potentially costing locals work.”
And alarmingly, “Turn the city into a cultural desert by banning substantial cultural events – such as music concerts – on the days before or after matches.”
FIFA, just like the IOC, would have similar conditions in place to ensure their tournament runs smoothly and to also deliver on their commercial agreements. The recent spat the AFL had over the naming of Etihad Stadium being a very recent example.
But, this outrageously over the top piece can only be seen as yet another tiresome World Cup fear mongering by the unofficial propaganda arm of the AFL.
Will it ever end?
Well, sadly if you live in Melbourne, the answer is: No!
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