FIFA'S 2022 WORLD CUP FIASCO

      Controversy has followed Sepp Blatter around constantly of late. There were rumors of a scandal during his last re-election. In fact,  The Council of Europe assembly committee has called for FIFA to investigate Blatter's 2011 re-election for whether he used his position to create an unfair advantage against an opponent. Sepp Blatter was again involved in controversy when Qatar's 2022 World Cup bid was accepted. Many people in the world soccer were upset at this decision because of Qatar being chosen over countries such as the U.K. and U.S. Again, there were allegations of underhandedness and implications that Qatar had paid to have their World Cup Bid become successful.
      Sepp Blatter is now calling for the Qatari World Cup to be held during the winter instead of the summer due to avoid the region's extreme heat. The Problem is that Europe's biggest leagues are active during this time of year. The English Premier League, in particular, does not include a winter break during their season as the Spanish league does. Supposedly, when the Qatari bid was accepted, it was stipulated that Qatar would ensure the extreme hear would cause problems for the tournament. As the World Cup is always held in the summer, it was assumed the solution would not be to move the tournament.
     This bid was going to be a problem from the moment it was made. First of all, there was the bid from Britain. The World Cup has not been held in the UK since 1966. So as soon as they were not chosen there was always going to be trouble. However, if Qatar did "purchase" their bid then the English FA do have legitimate complaints against FIFA's handling of this ordeal. US Soccer also has reason to be frustrated. While it was not so long ago that the World Cup came stateside, US Soccer is at a crucial point in its development. The sport is at its most popular point in the nation's history and a successful World Cup bid could propel the sport to the next level domestically. Australia and Japan were also considered but alas the bid was given to Qatar. Qatar is a tiny nation with a population of less than 250,000. Foreign workers actually outnumber native Qataris. It is one of the Arab oil nations and tops the list of the world's richest countries constructed by Forbes Magazine. Soccer or Football is the popular sport. Mr. Blatter argues that the ability to hold the World Cup should not be restricted to European Nations. This is not exactly relevant as the World Cup has been held in Asia, South America, Central America and North America. Still that is not the problem with holing the biggest sporting event in the world in Qatar. While Qatar certainly has the funds to support the tournament, its climate and size raise serious problems to bringing the tournament to its soil. FIFA's solution of moving the tournament will only cause more problems.
       It was just announced today that that UEFA (The governing body of Soccer in Europe) officially voted to move the 2022 World Cup to the winter. This is the only solution if FIFA plan to go ahead with a World Cup in Qatar. However, these issues provide much cause for FIFA's leadership and decision making to be examined. All I can say is that it is probably good that Sir Alex Ferguson has retired because it would not have surprised me to see him attempt to keep his players out of the tournament.


Committee Calls for Blatter investigations - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/committee-calls-for-investigation-into-sepp-blatters-unopposed-fifa-reelection-7543693.html

United Line up vs. City

United have a big game against rivals Manchester City this weekend! Derby matches are always fantastic to watch and the atmosphere at the Ethiad should be electric! After United's success against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday it is likely that David Moyes will go with a similar line up against the citizens at the weekend.

DeGea is a guarantee. While his loss of focus against Leverkusen may have helped the latter to earn a consolation goal, rest assure the the young spaniard will be ready to make up for it on Sunday. 

The defense is pretty straightforward. The only real question is who will be in at right back. Rafael and Jones are supposedly back in training this week. However, Moyes may still choose to go with Fabio as he rested him last night against the Germans. His performance against Palace was noteworthy and he could get the nod.

There is a slight chance Moyes could play Smalling or Evans in the place of Rio because the United veteran has already played 2 matches this week. But it seems more likely that Moyes will want to keep the Ferdinand - Vidic partnership against the blues and rest Rio the week after.

The obvious choices for the two center midfield spots are Carrick and Felaini and the reasons are obvious. Both looked strong on Tuesday night

Valencia showed glimpses of his old form against Leverkusen on Tuesday which will have United fans hoping he will have run of good form. The other choice might be Nani, although the Portugeese winger has not gotten must playing time under the Scottsman. 

Rooney will stay as the #10 and hopeful continue his wonderful form from the last two matches. I have decided to go with Shinji on the left. This is not for certain. But, fingers crossed, Moyes goes with the Japanese playmaker instead of Ashley Young, Kagawa provides a much needed creative spark whether on the left or through the middle. Finally, RVP will of course be in the striker role up top. 

The Reds have a great shot of going out and grabbing 3 points. But the Ethiad is not an easy place to play at and it will be a tough match. Lets hope the continue on their current form!