Russia and Qatar? Come on FIFA!

It was a sad day for the United States and England as the hosts for the next two World Cups were announced.  The 2018 World Cup will be held in Russia, while the 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar.  Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron, and one of the world's most famous people, David Beckham, did all they could to get FIFA to bring the world's biggest sporting event back for the first time since 1966 (when England hosted and won the World Cup).  They only received 2 out of a possible 22 votes, which was even more of a blow for the English. 

As one England fan summed it up "This is a disgrace.  I wouldn’t mind losing to Spain, but Russia.What a joke, Russia then Qatar. They’re hardly footballing giants. It’s like going from a fridge to an oven.”

The decision to have the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is even more baffling.  The climate is not fitting for soccer and the likelihood that they will actually be able to fill the stands will be slim.  It's like Lebron James going to Miami.  The biggest name in the game goes to a place where people would rather go to the beach or go clubbing, and the stands are relatively empty, even for the big games.  South Africa was a stretch, but FIFA really have gone too far this time.  Are they trying to ruin the greatest, most unifying event the world has to offer?

The stadiums they plan on building might be incredible in terms of modern architecture, but what is their real motive?  They are not aiming to help develop the popularity of soccer in the Middle East because they already plan on tearing the stadiums down once the tournament is over.  It's as if they just wanted to stick it to everyone else who was in the running, especially the United States. 

The United States had the most compelling bid in that they could make it the most profitable, as well as continue to increase it's popularity in America.  If anyone saw the people's reaction to Landon Donovan's game-winning goal against Algeria last summer, it has become obvious that soccer is growing on Americans and the more they are exposed to it, the more they appreciate the beauty and skill of the game.  Now that the MLS has been around since 1996, the United States has plenty of world-class soccer stadiums and it is, after all, the largest melting pot in the world.  It would be a sure success and create even more unity in a nation that needs it.  But that won't be happening.  Thanks FIFA.

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