Qatar World Cup a Mistake says Blatter

[ETSA]

Thanks for speaking now Sepp! (I suppose I need to point out that's sarcastic.)

FIFA's former leader says making Qatar a World Cup host was a mistake

Blatter, who has long said he voted for the United States, made the admission in his first major interview since being acquitted in July of financial misconduct at FIFA.

www.npr.org

 

[spsct]

They must have just made their last payment...

 

[ColchVEGAS]

There is a really good docuseries on Netflix right now covering the years of FIFA corruption.

 

[huskypantz]

Oh those delightful Qatarians are rolling out the red carpet already.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Glad to see they teamed with the Fyre Fest creator for a world class experience.

 

[HCCForever]

They just announced the banning of alcohol sales at the stadiums as well. Can't make the hooligans happy.

I talked to someone a month ago about the World Cup. He is going with his son but staying in Dubai and will fly in to Qatar for matches. He decided to leave his daughter at home to avoid any issues.

Qatar bans alcohol around World Cup stadiums

World Cup organisers have banned the sale of alcohol around stadiums in Qatar after last-minute showdown talks, FIFA announced on Friday.

www.espn.com

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Talk about the absolute bait and switch by Qatar. Let's wait for people to show up then start changing what we agreed to.

I would say I am surprised, but I knew this selection was doomed from the start. It really is a shame because this puts a huge stain on all of the middle east, when just a little positive publicity for that part of the world would have gone a long way with the stage they have been provided.

 

[Viet Vet]

Talk about the absolute bait and switch by Qatar. Let's wait for people to show up then start changing what we agreed to.

I would say I am surprised, but I knew this selection was doomed from the start. It really is a shame because this puts a huge stain on all of the middle east, when just a little positive publicity for that part of the world would have gone a long way with the stage they have been provided.

But you can buy Bud Zero.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

It's not even so much about the booze, while that is part of it. They touted that getting the WC would be their introduction into world tourism, and a budding economy, and inclusion for all to try and compete with UAE. They touted there would be world class experiences and hospitality.

People show up and they now say no booze because that is what our culture is about. Here are tents to stay in. Reports of people having cameras/phones confiscated and being forced to sign contracts that state you will say nothing negative about Qatar and your experience. Trying to smash cameras and stop media from around the world broadcasting what is really going on. This is an absolute disaster.

 

[HCCForever]

It's not even so much about the booze, while that is part of it. They touted that getting the WC would be their introduction into world tourism, and a budding economy, and inclusion for all to try and compete with UAE. They touted there would be world class experiences and hospitality.

People show up and they now say no booze because that is what our culture is about. Here are tents to stay in. Reports of people having cameras/phones confiscated and being forced to sign contracts that state you will say nothing negative about Qatar and your experience. Trying to smash cameras and stop media from around the world broadcasting what is really going on. This is an absolute disaster.

I agree that is not just about the booze but companies such as Budweiser sponsored trips to the World Cup and I am sure the ticket holders expected to be able to purchase beer at the stadium. Not cool changing the rules at the last minute. It seems they had 10 years or more to decide.

Qatar just spat in the face of Budweiser's $75 million World Cup sponsorship | Fortune

Qatar says it will now ban alcohol sales within World Cup stadiums, something it had initially agreed to allow.

fortune.com

 

[ColchVEGAS]

Maybe I am just bitter because the USA was supposed to be hosting the WC this summer, but instead we will share it with Canada and Mexico in 2026. In the end, the competition is what really matters and the product on the field will not be effected. Here's to hoping Ecuador lays a smack down on Qatar on the pitch Sunday.

 

[Viet Vet]

Arabian camels have only one hump, but it appears Qatari officials have two faces.