And The World Cup Goes To...

[UNTflyer]

2018 - Russia

2022 - Qatar

[Quoner]

...a shit ton of money.

Cam Newton approves.

Edited December 2, 2010 by Quoner

[UNTflyer]

In my opinion, the two worst candidates. Russian infrastructure needs serious work while Qatar will be building temporary stadiums.

[Army of Dad]

In my opinion, the two worst candidates. Russian infrastructure needs serious work while Qatar will be building temporary stadiums.

No to mention the usual Spring Break type party atmosphere that goes with the World Cup will no doubt be dampened by being held in Qatar and that will cause a huge drop in attendance. The US '94 World Cup still holds the record for best attendance and it looks like we will still have that record until at least 2026.

[Mean Green Matt]

Wow...I thought FIFA was dumb before when they said they didn't want to use any video replay...

Russia is a much better pick than Qatar (Qatar? really?), but neither are home run picks...especially when England and the United States were available. Russia is going to have to try and "brand" themselves out of the negative stigma they have. Especially to Americans who usually purchase the most WC tickets of any country other than the host. With Qatars location in the middle east, FIFA is taking a gamble with that one.

Good thing WC 1994 made so much money the USSF is still benefitting from it. Put any world cup at any time in England or the United States, and every stadium is filled for every game. England has not hosted since 1966 I believe...they are even more due then we are.

See you in Brazil in 2014 though! Go USA!

[Army of Dad]

The other thing is the Qatar WC means no WC in China until at least 2036 or 2040.

[H-towngreen]

I can't wait to see Qatar change the climate. As in cool down the earth. As in the are going to air condition their open air stadiums. As is in it gets up to 130 when these games will be going on.

FIFA is such a crock of poop. You know there was some serious money exchanging hands. Thats part of the reason why England didn't get it. They uncovered some of the dirty backroom Cam Newton dealings that FIFA had going on.

[KRAM1]

Really...Russia and Qatar?????? FIFA has hit a new low...or maybe a new high in bribes! I think attendance will be OK for the Russian games owing the proximity to Europe, but Qatar???? Qatar, really? Just tell me what all those fans who love to party will be doing in Qatar between games, and how nice that heat will be...OK, so they A/C open air stadiums...yea, right. How's that work with the climate change loonies? What about all the extra carbon emissions to produce the extra power? Oh, wait...they will use solar and wind power perhaps...or import a ton of water to make an artificial water wheel power plant. Those guys are so creative!

This decision by FIFA really blows. Russia and Qatar....almost laughable if it were not so...well, stupid!

[Censored by Laurie]

So I know I'm probably yelling at clouds with you people here...but you should at the very least go read the Wiki page on Qatar and get to know the place you're simply lumping in with pre-existing stereotypes and biases associated with the Middle East.

I think this a very intriguing selection. I knew very little about Qatar before I heard they were a finalist...but in doing just a bit of reading I'd give this trip some serious consideration. They appear to have very progressive leadership, treats its citizens exceptionally well, has placed a huge focus on education and the capital, Doha, strikes me as a less-idiocracy version of Dubai.

[Censored by Laurie]

And Flyer, where are you hearing/reading that they'll be using temporary stadiums? It appears Qatar, especially in Doha, already has constructed numerous, permanent stadiums...most as a result of their hosting the 2006 Asian games.

[UNTflyer]

So I know I'm probably yelling at clouds with you people here...but you should at the very least go read the Wiki page on Qatar and get to know the place you're simply lumping in with pre-existing stereotypes and biases associated with the Middle East.

I think this a very intriguing selection. I knew very little about Qatar before I heard they were a finalist...but in doing just a bit of reading I'd give this trip some serious consideration. They appear to have very progressive leadership, treats its citizens exceptionally well, has placed a huge focus on education and the capital, Doha, strikes me as a less-idiocracy version of Dubai.

You mean it's not hot in July? They don't have a ban on alcohol? They will love and embrace the Israeli team? Was I completely wrong?

[UNTflyer]

And Flyer, where are you hearing/reading that they'll be using temporary stadiums? It appears Qatar, especially in Doha, already has constructed numerous, permanent stadiums...most as a result of their hosting the 2006 Asian games.

They will be adding temporary upper bowls for the World Cup. It was in their presentation.

[Censored by Laurie]

You mean it's not hot in July? They don't have a ban on alcohol? They will love and embrace the Israeli team? Was I completely wrong?

Very.

Ban? No...just a regulated policy regarding it.

Love and embrace? No, I suppose not...but I doubt they'll be loving and embracing any nation not their own...at least as a foe. If you're assuming there will be a repeat of '72 Munich simply because the games are in a Middle Eastern country...then I guess the answer to your last question is "yes." Of course, this discussion is all pretty moot considering Israel has made just one Cup...in 1970.

All I'm asking is that people look into a place before simply associating it with the part of the world its located. Not a soul on here knew more than 10 words about Qatar before this announcement. Once one looks into Qatar the more this looks like an intriguing selection and will represent an area of the world yet to host a Cup...much like South Africa this year. Will there be logistic issues? Of course...there is anywhere. The heat is clearly a significant issue...but Doha and Dubai and some of the other metropolitan cities of the Middle East have managed developed into tourist meccas (ha...) despite the heat. That tells me they're resourceful people over there and will think of something with 12 years of prep time. The 2011 Asia Cup will be an interesting trial run.

If I'm wrong...I'll take my lumps.

[forevereagle]

Very.

Ban? No...just a regulated policy regarding it.

Love and embrace? No, I suppose not...but I doubt they'll be loving and embracing any nation not their own...at least as a foe. If you're assuming there will be a repeat of '72 Munich simply because the games are in a Middle Eastern country...then I guess the answer to your last question is "yes." Of course, this discussion is all pretty moot considering Israel has made just one Cup...in 1970.

All I'm asking is that people look into a place before simply associating it with the part of the world its located. Not a soul on here knew more than 10 words about Qatar before this announcement. Once one looks into Qatar the more this looks like an intriguing selection and will represent an area of the world yet to host a Cup...much like South Africa this year. Will there be logistic issues? Of course...there is anywhere. The heat is clearly a significant issue...but Doha and Dubai and some of the other metropolitan cities of the Middle East have managed developed into tourist meccas (ha...) despite the heat. That tells me they're resourceful people over there and will think of something with 12 years of prep time. The 2011 Asia Cup will be an interesting trial run.

If I'm wrong...I'll take my lumps.

If you're wrong, no one will remember.

[UNTflyer]

If you're assuming there will be a repeat of '72 Munich simply because the games are in a Middle Eastern country...then I guess the answer to your last question is "yes."

Uh, no. I don't see how I gave any indication of assuming this. My problem with Qatar as World Cup site is:

1. Weather

2. Facilities

3. Alcohol restrictions (good luck enforcing Sharia law during a World Cup)

4. Travel (one airport)

[Censored by Laurie]

Uh, no. I don't see how I gave any indication of assuming this.

"They will love and embrace the Israeli team?"

I read this as you had concerns over how the Israeli team would be received in an Arab nation...and I assumed you were probably more concerned than whether or not they'd be booed.

Clearly, by your response, I'm wrong...so clarify for me

[oldguystudent]

3. Alcohol restrictions (good luck enforcing Sharia law during a World Cup)

I looked this up. In day-to-day life, there are bars in the expensive hotels and special liquor shops that you have to have some permit to enter. For the world cup, they're apparently setting up some special fan drinking zones. It is, however, illegal to be intoxicated in public in Qatar. Let's see how well that one goes over.

[Censored by Laurie]

I looked this up. In day-to-day life, there are bars in the expensive hotels and special liquor shops that you have to have some permit to enter. For the world cup, they're apparently setting up some special fan drinking zones. It is, however, illegal to be intoxicated in public in Qatar. Let's see how well that one goes over.

I read that Doha has one, warehouse like liquor shop and for it's residents they need to have permission from their employer to essentially become a member and able to purchase.

I also found an article mentioning that Qatar's stance on liquor is continue to liberalize and that more permits to sell liquor in restaurants and night clubs are being approved.

While places like Doha and Dubai still follow, even if liberally, strict laws regarding consumption and conduct...they also very much want and know how to cater to Western tourists. I would imagine that while the 2022 cup will not have the Carnival' atmosphere you'll get in 2014...it will still be a hell of a time and a great chance to cross another part of the world off the travel to-do list.

[Rudy]

CIA on Qatar

Highlights:

Current leader overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995. (Bet that makes for an interesting holiday dinner.)

Slightly smaller than Connecticut

Very hot and humid summers

Mostly flat and barren desert with loose sand and gravel

Lowest point is the Persian Sea @ 0m, highest point is only 103m

Natural hazards are haze, duststorms, and sandstorms are common

841,000 citizens

Life expectancy is 75 years

only 40% are Arabic. Indians and Pakistanis make up 18% of the population each

78% Muslim, 8% Christian

89% are literate

population recieves 13 years of education

Governmnt is an emirate

Capital is Doha

10 municipalities

Independance is 9-3-71 from the UK

Islamic Law

suffrage is reached at 18

Has maintaned economic growth the past sevearl years

Broadcast Al Jazeera

4 paved airports

Military force of 320,000

Aside from being a very small country to host a very big event, it is kind of odd to pick a host that is so barren.

I can get Russia. A ton of history and various terrains, an a country that can no doubtedly handle an event such as the World Cup.

[UNTflyer]

"They will love and embrace the Israeli team?"

I read this as you had concerns over how the Israeli team would be received in an Arab nation...and I assumed you were probably more concerned than whether or not they'd be booed.

Clearly, by your response, I'm wrong...so clarify for me

So you assumed I thought those dirty Qataris will murder all the Jews? A perfectly reasonable assumption to make, right?

[Censored by Laurie]

So you assumed I thought those dirty Qataris will murder all the Jews? A perfectly reasonable assumption to make, right?

Exactly.

So that wasn't what you were saying?

[UNTflyer]

Exactly.

So that wasn't what you were saying?

Nope, not at all. Did you sprain your knee?

[Censored by Laurie]

Nope, not at all. Did you sprain your knee?

So we're on to 4 back and forth posts and you've yet to actually tell me why Israel was brought up...by you.

Perhaps politics is ideal for you. I'm starting to think no one has ever written more but said less on this board. And thats an accomplishment...+1.

[Rudy]

Well, as a Muslim nation with Islamic Law, I would have concern for the safety of the Isaeli team, if they were to qualify. However, It does seem like more of a progressive nation that is at lease open minded to us all being different.

[UNTflyer]

So we're on to 4 back and forth posts and you've yet to actually tell me why Israel was brought up...by you.

Perhaps politics is ideal for you. I'm starting to think no one has ever written more but said less on this board. And thats an accomplishment...+1.

I didn't think you needed a history lesson on Arab-Israeli relations, but specifically with Qatar there are issues for Jews.

Qatar does not recognize Israel. Israel has to play in the Europe region because the Middle East confederation won't let them play. True, Qatar says they will allow the Israeli team to travel to Qatar if they qualify (how nice of them). Unfortunately, their fans won't be allowed to enter the country as Israeli passports are not accepted in Qatari customs.

Want to do any trade with a company in Qatar? "All invoices should have a non-Israeli clause clearly mentioned."