I'm sure I shouldn't be surprised by Football's governing body anymore, but c'mon, are you kidding me?
Just to bring you up to speed, the world cup finals to be held in South Africa are nearing the end of the qualifying stages. There are 8 groups of teams which enter qualifying, and the first place team automatically qualifies. The remaining teams to learn their fate are those which finished second in their qualifying groups. Historically, the remaining teams would get drawn at random against another of the runners up from the other groups.
This year, in their infinite wisdom, FIFA have decided to 'seed' the top four teams, and they will be drawn againstone the bottom four teams.
The change in policy is quite simply to make sure the 'big' teams are in the tournament. What in the world wouold happen in France or Portugal failed to qualify for the biigest sporting event in the world?
My biggest complaint in changing the rules to accomodate the big teams, is that all teams have ended up 2nd in their groups, therefore they are equal throughout qualifying.
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Nanabijou says
ReplyDeleteIf the "big teams" do not make it to the tournament than nobody (ie FIFA) makes any money. Remember it's not about soccer/football it's about sponsorship money and A$$e$ in the seats. Economics lesson for the day, discuss.
Meegwitch
What would the TV revinues be if "the big teams" where not on the tube all over the world?
P.S I realize that you are intelligent enough to figure this out.
The world is a place rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, but also one where many are still deprived of their basic rights. FIFA now has an even greater responsibility to reach out and touch the world, using football as a symbol of hope and integration.
ReplyDeleteOnly with the unwavering dedication of every FIFA team member, every member association and every business partner can football in all its forms contribute to achieving FIFA's goals at a high level by protecting standards, encouraging competition and promoting solidarity in the world game.
FIFA is not menat to be in the business of 'entertainment'. The World Cup is a competition, not a concert. The best teams should qualify on merit, not a change in the rules. Each team had 12 games to EARN enough points....on a fair level.