World Cup bid fifth columnists
Like a James Bond movie: Lord Triesman head of the English FA. A young lady, an alleged lover, with a tape recorder. Some candid comments between them. A Sunday paper publishes the comments. The Lord resigns from leading the World Cup bid.
Publishing facts isn’t a crime. Candid politicians might be thought to be a refreshing change. The unwise mistake seems to be mixing business with pleasure, ignoring the moral question and not knowing how the story was obtained. As far as known the participants are all on the same side, but seemingly batting against their own team.
The English World Cup bid has had a few problems and if a new leader is found with a common touch, like a David Beckham with political credibility, then all is not lost and this might turn into an advantage. The decision is due to be announced in early December.
In other matters, it was said that England lost a previous bid because ‘football’s coming home’ was perceived as arrogance. Yet quite a few papers have been using this term in the last week and it seems we never learn.
The hottest competition seems to be from Spain / Portugal. Yet Australia could be seen as a place needing a pull up for football, with Rugby and Australian Rules being more popular. Russia might also be a place seen as benefitting from wider understanding. England have a big job ahead to win the hosting of this event but the love of football, fine venues and commercial success of the Premier League is an appealing combination.