Other Games - 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Edition (+ warm-up matches): Villa-watch

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Norway rested all their main players and France decided to go strong. I wouldn't use the 4-1 as a guide for any future meetup, although I suspect France to still edge it as they have more attacking players who could do something.

Ah, I forgot about that. Smart move. I was shocked how midway during the second half yesterday they just went up a level or two when I was expecting them to fade. If memory serves it was 29º in New Jersey but you'd never have guessed.

[Somniloquism]

In theory the Belgium FA submitted their appeat an hour ago for FIFA to hear. Of course they haven't guranteed an answer before the match is due. I like how the Yanks are saying there is precedent in Garincha being cleared in 62 when everyone knows there was massive corruption to make that happen.

[TonyD]

Can the Belgiums refuse to play the game unless he is banned. 

[Rudy Can't Fail]

In theory the Belgium FA submitted their appeat an hour ago for FIFA to hear. Of course they haven't guranteed an answer before the match is due.

They could get Trump to call on their behalf. He'll have feedback within the hour.

[cdbearsfan]

Or Ronaldo could give him a ring and ask.

Hopefully Spain and Belgium win later to defeat the corrupt bastards.

[Dogtanian]

UEFA's statement on the whole affair;

https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/02a7-2109c8e9ef81-de5a993db109-1000--uefa-statement-on-the-balogun-case/

Not sure what to think, now. I am questioning my own integrity for agreeing with something UEFA have said!

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."

[cdbearsfan]

UEFA are wankers but clearly a million miles less corrupt than FIFA.

[SamTheMouse]

Do Americans realise how tinpot their country looks these days?

[cdbearsfan]

The ones that support this don't care, because they would rather have people they don't like be miserable than be happy themselves.

[Coop]

I may be wrong, but surely under Trump's failed attempt to violate the 14th amendment, Balogun would've been denied US citizenship?

[Somniloquism]

UEFA probably being the second biggest (richest?) football organisation after FIFA have always butted heads with FIFA. But they definitely seem to be even more outright hostile to them since Infantino has been there. I wonder what would happen if they decided to pull out of FIFA control and start their own organisation seperate to them. Would all the Euro FA's side with FIFA or UEFA? Euro championships every 2 years?

[VILLA MOLE]

UEFA probably being the second biggest (richest?) football organisation after FIFA have always butted heads with FIFA. But they definitely seem to be even more outright hostile to them since Infantino has been there. I wonder what would happen if they decided to pull out of FIFA control and start their own organisation seperate to them. Would all the Euro FA's side with FIFA or UEFA? Euro championships every 2 years?

Well was not t Fifa trying do that with the world cup,  having it every 2 years under Wenger ? 

[cdbearsfan]

England, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Wales are all hosting upcoming World Cups so I can't see them wanting to rock the boat too much, sadly.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I may be wrong, but surely under Trump's failed attempt to violate the 14th amendment, Balogun would've been denied US citizenship?

He just heard the word 'gun' and made the call. Wait until the NRA get his invoice and refuse to pay it. He'll probably sue them for 10 billion dollars.

[Dogtanian]

UEFA probably being the second biggest (richest?) football organisation after FIFA have always butted heads with FIFA. But they definitely seem to be even more outright hostile to them since Infantino has been there. I wonder what would happen if they decided to pull out of FIFA control and start their own organisation seperate to them. Would all the Euro FA's side with FIFA or UEFA? Euro championships every 2 years?

Depends how much money they stand to get/lose.

One of the key reasons Infantino (or anyone) gets into, and stays in, power is the amount of money they offer all the other federations. Infantino in particular has offered massive increases to all the African FAs for instance, which he is now gathering via all his money grasping tactics.

The more money FIFA pumps into the regional FAs, the more money the top dogs there can pay themselves (and I dare say, in some cases, skim off the top).