The World Cup staged in Brazil was finally a great success and FIFA and Blatter are now basking in the reflected glory ! As one says, "All is well that ends well" !
However, it was close to becoming a catastrophy due to the construction problems of stadiums which were not ready on time; added to this was the Social Unrest by poor citizens who were astounded by the huge costs of staging the World Cup Finals. Additional security forces were used to contol demonstrators.
In view of this experience, has President Blatter and FIFA officially chosen "reserve" venues which could Host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Finals if Russia and Qatar are judged to be unsuitable ?
To put it quite simply, President Putin and Russia are at present vitually at war with Ukraine. Russia has sent troops and armaments to help the Rebels in Ukraine ! Sanctions have been imposed by Russia in reply to the sanctions imposed by the West ! The question to be answered is : "Will foreign spectators be safe in Russia in 2018 ?"
Likewise, similar questions exist with respect to the 2022 World Cup venue in Islamic Qatar. This country financially aids other Islamic countries. Will western visitors and spectators, men and women, be free to circulate normally there ? Is there a possilbility that a war could break out between the West and Islamists in Irak ?
If the security of spectators cannot be guaranteed, FIFA and Blatter must adopt "replacement" venues. Can these not be chosen from those countries which lost the vote to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups ?
Read also in this blog:
20/5/2014 Blatter and FIFA on a tightrope !
4/6/2014 Will FIFA ever change ?
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