Fridays backpage headlines

[barrysleftfoot]

   In some ways i agree that Russia should have got it, but lets get rid of the ridiculous, parasitical circus that surrounds the whole selection process.

[Pat McMahon]

Didn't see that coming, Qatar in June...ouch it will be warm!

With the time difference, the games will no doubt be played at midnight local time to appeal to European television.

Well that would work, is Qatar as muslim country, that could be interesting for all the beer sponsors FIFA love?

I was at the WC in Germany 2006 and despite the tournament being held in the world's best beer country all you could buy in stadia was the official FIFA approved purveyor of bat piss, aka Budweiser. It is so weak and crap they will have no problems passing it off as a non-alcoholic drink in a muslim country..

[Dante Lavelli]

Didn't see that coming, Qatar in June...ouch it will be warm!

With the time difference, the games will no doubt be played at midnight local time to appeal to European television.

I wonder if Budweiser will be keen to throw their usual millions to become an official partner of the world cup?
It'd be pretty ironic considering its a dry state. 

South Africa was pretty disappointing from a fan attendance perspective (empty seats m'lord) but Qatar could be an embarrassment.  Compared to S Africa it is hotter, more expensive, less tourist sights and a I'd guess a lot less to do.  Who will go?

Fan enjoyment is obviously low down on FIFA's priority list.