Dummies and foul play

● Anyone else think Qatar’s World Cup mascot looks like Casper the Friendly Ghost?

●Why did the BBC broadcast a lecture on Qatar’s human rights abuses rather than the opening ceremony? It didn’t seem to have any issues covering the start of the Winter Olympics in that other bastion of freedom, China. Trying to justify their own pathetic backsides currently residing in luxury hotels overlooking the Gulf.

● I wonder how many little girls in Saudia Arabia will be inspired to take up football after their side’s defeat of Messi’s Argentina. And how many will be allowed.

● What would Qatar do if a highprofile player came out as gay just before taking the pitch?

● Why does the climate crisis matter so much when you or I want to go to Spain for a week’s summer holiday but not when an oil-rich country full of private jets and sports cars has to air condition and constantly water outdoor football stadia in a desert?

● Fifa’s president (a millionaire in a designer suit staying in five-star luxury who identifies as a gay migrant worker) is Gianni Infantino. Is that his name or reflection of his mental age?

● No, I’m not watching the World Cup despite loving football. Or maybe because of loving football.