Russia doesn’t deserve major tourneys
And nor does Qatar . . . Racist Russian fans make their nation seem a less than ideal World Cup host
When the All Whites kick off the Confederations Cup against hosts Russia tomorrow morning ( NZT), it will be the biggest step yet in a process that began with an unfathomable announcement six- and- a- half years before.
New Zealand’s involvement, funnily enough, will eventually be a mere footnote in the final story told of the tournament: how Russia handled hosting the dress rehearsal a year out from the main event.
The decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia — and the 2022 edition to Qatar — stunned the football world, but at that time, in December 2010, the actual events were too far in the future for the consequences to feel tangible.
Now, though, Fifa’s corrupt chickens are coming home for a fitful roost. Now, the reality of hosting the World Cup in a country like Russia is becoming apparent. something currently stalled by the impasse.
Once those imports resume, however, Qatar can at least count on an indefatigable supply of migrant workers to finish the project. They’re not about to let extreme heat, abusive conditions or the confiscation of passports impede a job well done.
As for the fears among some human rights groups that as many as 4000 of those workers could die in the construction of stadiums before a ball is even kicked? That’s a story for another day.
For now, we can look forward to the All Whites’ encounter with Russia in the early hours of tomorrow morning, safe in the knowledge that, if everything goes wrong, the hosts have already paid the price. Those rubles have well and truly been spent.