Qatar 2022?

[Jerry St Clair]

If they can do it, then why not.

Because it's ecological insanity?

Argh, we're all screwed anyway.

Ok, Fukk it, let's build a few indoor ski slopes as well to keep the WAGS entertained!

[Silver Fox]

So you'd just have a closed shop of half a dozen European countries and the few South American ones who can afford to host it?

Not much of a "World" Cup then is it?

But surely the World Cup, is meant to be a celebration of football, a festival of football, what has Qatar actually ever acheived, and if they weren't to host it, would they qualifiy?

Like in 2002 when we celebrated the glorious Japanese footballing history you mean?

[Stranded]

Ok, Fukk it, let's build a few indoor ski slopes as well to keep the WAGS entertained!

Only if they build a Ski-Cross course on it - otherwise that's just a foolish suggestion.

[TBM]

So you'd just have a closed shop of half a dozen European countries and the few South American ones who can afford to host it?

Not much of a "World" Cup then is it?

But surely the World Cup, is meant to be a celebration of football, a festival of football, what has Qatar actually ever acheived, and if they weren't to host it, would they qualifiy?

Like in 2002 when we celebrated the glorious Japanese footballing history you mean?

Or Korea - who actually finished 4th........whats not to say in 12 years time Qatar suddenly become good, simply because they invest in training the youngsters now ready for that WC.

[Row Z Royal]

USA '94.

[26-10-06]

But surely the World Cup, is meant to be a celebration of football, a festival of football, what has Qatar actually ever acheived, and if they weren't to host it, would they qualifiy?[/quote]

Like in 2002 when we celebrated the glorious Japanese footballing history you mean?[/quote]

Or Korea - who actually finished 4th........whats not to say in 12 years time Qatar suddenly become good, simply because they invest in training the youngsters now ready for that WC.[/quote]

I suppose that is a good point, I just feel that Qatar just doesn't make sense, maybe its me just being stupid, but a nation with a little more footballing history, would be a better choice IMO. What are the other nations going for the bid?

[TBM]

What are the other nations going for the bid?

Funnily enough its South Korea

[Barry the bird boggler]

Theoretically the World Cup should be held in any country that has the infrastructure to safely support 32 competing teams from all over the world and their supporters without crippling the country with financial problems.

As to whether South Africa meets those criteria remains to be seen....

[26-10-06]

Brilliant!

[LoyalRoyalFan]

What have Qatar done to enhance the game?

What have South Africa done?

Exactly.

[Jerry St Clair]

Like in 2002 when we celebrated the glorious Japanese footballing history you mean?

Or EngLOLand in 1966

[SpaceCruiser]

What have Qatar done to enhance the game?

What have South Africa done?

Exactly.

South Africa have played in a few World Cup Finals, I can't remember Qatar ever qualifying for one. Happy to be corrected if they actually have.

[26-10-06]

What have South Africa done?[/quote]

Exactly.[/quote]

South Africa have played in a few World Cup Finals, I can't remember Qatar ever qualifying for one. Happy to be corrected if they actually have.[/quote]

Plus there have been some half decent players produced in SA

[TBM]

What have Qatar done to enhance the game?

What have South Africa done?

Exactly.

But i haven't once seen you on here banging on about how SA shouldn't be hosting the WC

I say give everyone the opportunity to host (and compete) the WC finals. If anything, like said, it will bring that buzz to the country and more youngsters will get involved and start playing.

Look at USA in 94 - half the country didn't even know what "soccer" was, now its massive over there!

[Stranded]

Arguably soccer was big amongst school age kids back in the 90's - I believe it is the US biggest participation sport at school age. Whilst it's bigger now it is down to the fact a lot of those kids have continued to follow the game following the foundation of the MLS etc - I'm sure one of our American friends could correct me if I'm wrong.

[TBM]

Arguably soccer was big amongst school age kids back in the 90's - I believe it is the US biggest participation sport at school age. Whilst it's bigger now it is down to the fact a lot of those kids have continued to follow the game following the foundation of the MLS etc - I'm sure one of our American friends could correct me if I'm wrong.

Which is kind of the point im making.......if you give the kids of Qatar the footballing buzz then they will continue to follow and develop and introduce their kids to it who will do so with their kids etc etc.

[BobKnows]

So you'd just have a closed shop of half a dozen European countries and the few South American ones who can afford to host it?

Not much of a "World" Cup then is it?

But surely the World Cup, is meant to be a celebration of football, a festival of football, what has Qatar actually ever acheived, and if they weren't to host it, would they qualifiy?

Have to say I agree. Hosting the World Cup in "established" footballing nations does not stop less established countries playing (if they are good enough to qualify). And if they rise up the ranks, then they can be considered.

As usual, football is following the money, rather than good sense.

[Sun Tzu]

How do these air con stadia work ?

Do they have a roof (in which case I'd argue against it as football should be played outside)

If they don't then are they not going to be trying to air condition the entire country ?

And finally, is Qatar the country that has been buying up international athletes in various sports (including football) and giving them citizenship to fast track themselves into a sporting country ?

[Ian Royal]

I think anyone hosting should have a decent chance of actually qualifying for a WC without getting the free pass from hosting. Or has at least got into a play off to qualify in the past.

[Sun Tzu]

I think anyone hosting should have a decent chance of actually qualifying for a WC without getting the free pass from hosting. Or has at least got into a play off to qualify in the past.

Why not just make them go through qualifying ?

Host countries often complain that because they have 2 years without competitive games they are at a disadvantage.

It may also make some countries think twice about bidding if they think that the event wouldn't get support from the locals if the home team wasn;t there...