In what can be claimed as one of the biggest scams in sport, FIFA, the governing body of football, is rumoured to have sold the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 editions of the FIFA world cup to its highest bidders. When Zurich witnessed Russia and Qatar being awarded the right to host the 2018 and 2022 editions of the World Cup respectively, it highlighted the power of financial clout in the so called fair practice of voting observed by FIFA- The power of Oil and Gas.
The process of voting involves 24 members of the FIFA executive committee to cast their votes on the prospective hosts of the most prestigious tournament in football with each member having a single vote and the FIFA president would vote if a tie arises. Countries wishing to host the tournament must table a formal bid with FIFA and then showcase their facilities and convince the travelling executive committee members. The lure of money was evident as two members of the Executive committee were banned from voting by FIFA, after investigations proved that Reynald Temarii, the French FIFA vice-president and Amos Adamu, the Nigerian representative on the committee allegedly assured votes for the U.S bid to reporters posing as lobbyists for the United States for a sum of $800,000.
The various factors involved are the host countries’ financial ability, travel facilities, hospitality, accessibility, technological advancements, climate, footballing facilities and conditions-stadiums, training set up, a competitive league and above all, an undying passion for the Beautiful game.
Russia, where the League still cannot be included in the top 5 European leagues, has a shameful record of being racists, as they have proved on numerous occasions in the past. In what can be described as the biggest carnival in the world, the last thing you would want is Racism. The strict Visa restrictions of Russia will be another hindrance for the travelling fans. The FIFA technical team itself had rated Russia as “medium risk” in its report whereas The England and the combined bid of Netherlands and Belgium bid were rated as “low risk”. England had the best commercial and technical bid. The presentation of the England bid with the support of Prime Minister David Cameron, David Beckham and Prince William was hailed as the best by the FIFA president himself, yet England had to endure a humiliating first round exit at Zurich after securing only two votes, thereby resulting in elimination. Russia on the contrary enjoyed a safe passage to the second round and secured a staggering thirteen votes to win the rights to host the tournament. Russia did not even have Vladimir Putin present at Zurich. Rumours are that Putin boasted to his friends on the eve of the bid that it was already decided. Spain a week before the bidding process claimed the “Fish is already sold”
FIFA defended its Committees decision to award rights to Russia saying every country must be given a chance to host the World cup. Take nothing away from South Africa for hosting a wonderful tournament last summer. It has indeed developed football and helped the country economically progress.
But the question is whether the criteria to choose a host for the world cup, be based on a country not having hosted the tournament. If so, why were countries having hosted the world cup previously deemed eligible. Why should Technical and commercial facilities of a country be rated. England was backed by the best facilities, arguably the best league in the world, favourable climate, are the founders of the very game and above all the English have passion for the game which no other country can match. But all this apparently proved a disadvantage more than an advantage. FIFA wanted to give smaller countries a chance to express themselves, a chance to grow.
The disappointment was best summed up by British Prime Minister David Cameron-
"According to FIFA we had the best technical team; no one could identify any risks of coming to England. I think we had the strongest commercial bid and the country is passionate about football, but that apparently isn’t enough."
The 2022 bid was awarded to Qatar, a country where temperatures are at the higher side of 40 degree Celsius during the summer, when usually the world cup is held. It’s impossible to change schedule to winter as the leagues of various countries would be in progress.
Former Asian Football Confederation general secretary Peter Velappan criticized the decision saying "No player will ever want to play in these conditions.”
FIFA should be more transparent with its voting process to ensure corruption does not creep into the system. The two suspended members, are ample proof that money can sway votes and with it economical fortunes for hosting countries. Money should never be allowed to rule the beautiful game. Sepp Blatter has certainly let the beautiful game down. FIFA’s image and reputation has taken a battering. Manchester United Manager criticized the FIFA saying “It is a new word for Fifa – Democracy”
Countries spend fortunes for the bidding process’ and most countries do so to win a race, which it isn’t even running. Atleast in the FIFA’s eyes. Best put in words by Blackpool’s Manager Ian Holloway- “We spent £15m on the bid - maybe we would have been better off tucking all that in a few envelopes and seeing if that did any good”
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