Kissinger to sort out FIFA
By frenchieman •
CNN--
Blatter tips Henry Kissinger for role on FIFA 'Solutions Committee'
(CNN) -- FIFA president Sepp Blatter could turn to former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger to help clean up soccer's world governing body.
Blatter was the only candidate in Wednesday's election held in Zurich, Switzerland and was duly returned to serve another four-year term.
The ballot was held among a storm of corruption allegations against the organization which saw Blatter's only rival, Mohamed Bin Hammam, suspended by FIFA's Ethics Committee on bribery charges.
The Qatari subsequently dropped out of the presidential race.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/football/06/02/football.fifa.blatter.k...
Genesis--I totally agree. And to your list of benefits I would add:
1. Less traffic
2. Less population
3. Less erosion of Qatari culture values
Qatar is much better off sticking to medium-sized events that it can do well and without have to transform the entire country--as well as key diplomatic events, positioning itself as and East-West bridge. I get the prestige that goes along with the WC but with every drop of prestige comes a bucket of intense scrutiny and criticism, which those in power are not adept and handling.
flor1212--Pulling out would be the lesser of the two evils.
The backfire will be very devastating. The calculated risk is very risky! This is a classic "damn if you do and damn if you don't"!
I personally hope that Qatar pulls out. The reinforcement of Qatar’s infrastructure already was given the green light as per the Qatar national strategy . The 30 billion that would have been spent directly on the WC stadiums can be directed to boost the post-revolutionary Arab States economies
After all, Qatar is generating better international recognition from its role in the Arab spring than wining the 2022 bid
or did you forget the recent controversy with regards to CWG
well Jokky, is your place that better in terms of elections?
Blatter must have got to like this places so much that he is following and copying the same election system they practice out here. One man to contest the FIFA election and he ends up with 99.97 % of the votes exactly like it happens in this parts and then they even have a celeberation.
No, that was Maggie Thatcher. Blair was probably Blatter's mentor, although Blair had enough sense to get out in time to let Brown take the fall.
I wonder if Blatter was B-liar's mentor !
well, you never know. Those skills sometimes make you blind as well. Then the end will be similar to those wily dictators :)
It's obvious what Blatter is doing. He's punishing Qatar for challenging his authority in FIFA, and so far his winning hands down--unopposed for re-election, re-elected, ethics charges against his Qatari challenger, piles of leaked accusation of bribes that are creating a path to the repeal of the bid, and now appointment of Kissinger to sort things out. Agree with him or not, Blatter is giving a masterclass in political survival skills so far.
big hatter added to the hate team
there should be a FIFA awakening! Lol!
This old and going senile guys are not going to sort out anything. They are just going to drag this mess along for another term and then the Captain of the ship Mr. Blatter might decide he needs a fifth term to complete what he has started
The man is only 88 years old, like he would be able to succeed in solving anything at this age. I thought sports are for young people.
he is looking for a chance to mess up FIFA, the way he has messed up the Middle East. Or is it all for the money?
WOW! When I first saw this I thought it was a joke.
Aside from Ariel Sharon, I don't think a man more hostile to the ambitions of the Arab world could have been chosen.
This is a clear sign by Blatter that he intends to move against the original selection for 2022. He could not be more obvious in his desire the punish Qatar for going against him.