This is getting ridiculous. Qatar’s head of state, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani (try saying that ten times fast with a mouth full of cornflakes) has told reporters that a public vote would now be taken to find out if the people want the World Cup in 2022 at the height of their muscle-melting summer (June-July) or the comparatively cooler winter (Jan-Feb).
You’d have thought this whole thing would be a non-issue, well in advance of the Qataris even bidding to host the thing.
But no, here we go on the seasonal merry-go-round once more.
FIFA president, Sepp Blatter had initially said that the Cup might be moved to winter, presumably to placate European teams who don’t want their players being fried alive in 50-degree celsius mid-day heat.
Then it went back to sticking with summer, as that’s how it’s always been – which sounds entirely sensible to me. Especially when there was all that talk about Qatar’s bid including supposedly fanciful air-conditioned stadiums and all that.
As reported on The World Game online, the Sheikh spoke during a visit by David Cameron, the British Prime Minister.
Worse was to come.
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr al Thani (try saying… no, maybe not) announced to the world in a Nicholas Watt article for London’s Guardian that he knows nothing much about anything to do with football, really.
“I do not know the rules,” the PM said.
“I like sport, of course, but I am not involved.”
Hmm. I think most politicians of a country attempting to host the world’s biggest single sporting event would have ducked out of the palace for a quick scan of “The Complete History Of The FIFA World Cup” from the local library before making a statement like that one.
According to the World Game, only three weeks ago, Blatter had presumably confirmed it would be summer – and no more ifs, buts or maybes about it.
A month before that, it was going to be in the northern hemisphere winter.
“I am not in favour of one or the other,” Blatter added helpfully, according to The World Game on February 7.
“I think, for the time being the matter is on ice.”
It sounds like no-one knows what’s going on any more. Either Blatter or someone on the Qatari organising committee needs to play the www.zipit.com game popularised by Austin Powers movie villain Dr Evil.
Getting back to it all being on ice, however, now there’s an alternative World Cup worth thinking about; why not have it all on ice.
Maybe that was what El Presidente Sepp really meant? It would certainly eradicate the seasonal argumentativeness altogether.
On ice – indoors, devoid of any other climatic concerns. How about Pluto? That’s made of ice, isn’t it? Not accepted as an official planet, now, though.
That wouldn’t get past the FIFA Executive Committee – when a world isn’t a proper world you can’t hold a World Cup there. Closer to home we must look.
The Arctic Circle? There’s plenty of ice there. And cold summers, too. The polar bears might try to stage a few pitch invasions, Qatari security staff may have their work cut-out in that department, and what with all those arctic ground squirrels, too.
Let’s try the other end of the world, then, the Antarctic. There’s no less than 60 venues available, with accommodation on-site as well.
Half of them would even be open during the high tourist season of summer. Perfect for the Cup, then.
And if the ticket prices are too expensive for most fans, FIFA could always bus in a load of Emperor penguins for the day.
oly
Guest
I agree, I'm getting tired of anti-Qatar articles. Move on. Also why does the writer need to mention that the Qatari head of state and PM have names that was difficult to pronounce? Would he rather a good dinky di Australian name instead?
Rob McLean
Guest
Yes, I am coming at this from the perspective of a white, Anglo who has never faced racism (although I have faced issues with people who have based their perceptions of me from where I grew up), but I can't understand the fuss about a gag about the length of someone's name. We laugh at the American propensity for naming their children after themselves, like it bestows some legitimacy upon the family to have Trip Bowden III on the family tree. We laugh at ghetto names like Lakyisha or D-Marlon (Dee Dash Marlon). But that's not racist. Connotations to my name being of Scottish origin are directed at me and I even had an Asian pay me out with "Are your McLean's showing", despite the familial name being spelt differently. I just laugh along - I don't find it racist. I wonder if sometimes we need to relax a bit. I would like to know if people in places populated by foriegners with 'funny' names laugh at the names of people in Australia. To them, short names which don't pay respect to the family line might appear to be funny, I don't know... Ben, I thought your article was interesting and indicative of the continuing bemusement about the decision and the organisation of the event.
GanG
Guest
we need a proof of ur qatar visit :D
Chris K
Guest
Sounds good Ben! Assuming i'm alive when this happens, mind if I steal your itinery?
Maxe
Guest
I have been there in this country. This is not a suitable place for living. So what about one of the biggest sport festivals in there. It's true that most of the times it's around 50C in daytime. That's about the crazy climate. Then culture. We know about the fans. They do need alcohol, roaring along the roads, etc; It would be impossible according to the current culture. So, they have to change there culture or the games should be going on without fans. I think as football fans, we have to raise ourselves regardless of our territory boundaries. I do not need anything, but the best football. There should not be any FT would cup in 2022 in Qatar.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
The problem with writing like an insensitive Western jerk is it provides remarkably usable ammunition to people looking to set up an anti-Western voting coalition. Note this was the coalition that voted the World Cup to Qatar. Think how it will look splashed on the front page of the Qatar Daily News.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Putting it to a public vote as to when they hold it? Um, I know Arab sheikhs probably don't pay much attention to the terms and provisions of contracts they sign, but I'd be pretty sure the tome they signed with FIFA specified when they had to hold it. And that there was never a clause saying "... unless a public vote says otherwise ...". Are the Qataris trying to vie with the Indians for most half baked sporting event organisation of big events?
Mattay
Guest
Ben - don't want to be too cruel. I actually wanted to show this article to a few others, but I knew that they would respond in a similar way. Fair play on your responses though.
olrac
Guest
And if the ticket prices are too expensive for most fans, FIFA could always bus in a load of Emperor penguins for the day. Best dressed football crown ever.....
Jeansy
Guest
Ben of Phnom Penh, I like your plan. Certainly showed my lack of knowledge of the area and places to visit. I imagine many other people are unaware of it too. As for qatar best wishes to them, hopefully they do deliver there grand plan. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
methysticum
Guest
Given that the Middle-East is in meltdown I doubt that the present autocratic rulers of Qatar will be in power in 2022 ...and the football World Cup will be the last thing on any own's mind in the region in the years leading up to that date.
Huffy
Guest
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
Take three - thanks for pointing out that you otherwise thought it was a good post (much appreciated!). As I mentioned to the other two previous posters, my intentions were essentially some light-hearted word-play and nothing more. Thanks again.
mds1970
Roar Guru
It sets an interesting precedent. We'd have an interesting time in Australia if the dates of sporting events were determined by referendum lol. Maybe we could hit the hustings to decide whether people would prefer the A-League season to start in August or October.....
Mick Dundee
Guest
You're correct Ben, what you are saying is not racist.
Midfielder
Guest
Ben I gotta with Mattay ... when you said ..try saying that 10 times or maybe not ..stood out (sorry screamed out) in the article which otherwise I thought was well written and argued...
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
Hi George - a shame you stopped right there and then and missed other aspects of the post. Again, as I mentioned above, I would like to think of myself as far removed from that label, but appreciate you taking the time to let me know what you think.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
There is also the matter of long term stadium deals, television rights, sponsorship rights etc etc etc. Millions upon millions of dollars have been spent in advance upon the assumption of a fixed schedule. It's probably cheaper to aircondition the entire country than to change the date.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
I've gotten over it and am now going to work it to my advantage. I've been to Qatar, watched football there even, and whilst it's ok for a few days that is about all it can offer. The region, however, is a different matter entirely. I'm figuring there will be some reluctance to purchase tickets so if sales start slowly I should be able to get some plum games nicely spaced apart. In between games I'm planning on leaving Qatar and will try visiting the cool hills of Oman and its fascinating Capital of Muscat and also will attempt to spend time in Damascus and the ancient Babylonian city of Aleppo. Should time permit I'll try to get to the wondrous city of Sa'ana in Yemen though I suspect Oman and Syria will consume my holiday. It's a wondrous opportunity ladies and gentlemen, perhaps one of a lifetime, and it is entirely up to you if you wish to avail yourself of it.
George Giannopoulos
Guest
"Qatar’s head of state, Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani (try saying that ten times fast with a mouth full of cornflakes)" 'Ben Carter' is so much easier to say.....I have to agree with Mattay....I stopped reading the article when i got to to the 'cornflakes' bit. It's not a matter of political correctness, but the undertone is there, even if you don't realise it. George Giannopoulos