Qatar, Riyadh and the dark side of Sport

The football w/c.

 

What, women’s football ? They have a World Cup ?

 

England have never hosted the Women's World Cup Finals.

If the FA threw the kitchen sink at a bid for it, at least they'd get their washing up done

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-68945445

 

Donald Trump take note;
That's what I call a Wall.

500 metres high, 200 metres thick and 170 kilometres long.

Not sure if there's a sports connection though, other than the general observation that Countries who authorise the killing of protesters against a scheme like this, which also involves forced evictions of entire villages, does NOT deserve to be hosting World Cup Finals.

But hey, they're an important strategic ally in the region.

 

After seeing a news report on this story, I now understand the 500m high 200m wide "wall" is actually a kind of city, with buildings & transport links etc. all within an outer shell. A fascinating idea, but hard to imagine living in a structure so massively high and immensely long (170km) , but only 200 metres wide.

I hear some UK firms involved in construction have terminated contracts after this revelation from a whistle-blower that Saudi security forces were authorized to execute unarmed protesters. Not a good image - a key strategic ally behaving in this manner. But Cold War power politics, which we are returning to now, was always a dirty game.
Iraq under Saddam Hussein was a key ally of the West until the end of the old Cold War - despite his genocide against the marsh Arabs.
And Iran too was a valuable friend until the Islamic Revolution.

 

Finally, a decent Title fight and an undisputed Heavyweight Boxing World Champion

OLEKSANDR USYK

Tyson Fury gets the right to a re-match later in the year apparently.
But this time, all the power to call all the shots will lie with the Champion.

Fury seemingly put up a good fight, and was (so I read) in the best physical shape he has ever been in.
I personally think a re-match will not go well for him.
And it's extremely unlikely that Usyk will "let himself go". The man is driven by pride for his Country. Giving hope to the Ukrainian People seems to be the mission that inspires him. Ultimately I think that cause will win out over whatever inspires or drives Fury.
Sadly, all the pre-fight antics of his camp do him no credit either in my view.

 

Former CAFC manager Dean Holden was in the audience for the fight last night.

 

So Sheikh Mansur's plaything Manchester City complete their 6th Premier League Title in 7 seasons.
All while happily ignoring over 100 charges against them, because they know they are untouchable.

Is this the way football fans in England really want their top division to be run?
The Prem might produce more interesting games each season than the SPL.
But the outcome is just the same.

 

For the millionth time - Politics and Sport do not mix.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cm553l77m5zo

I'm all for equality for everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation etc.
But I would never impose my views on somebody else, and sanction them for refusing to do as I tell them.

I'm not happy that Mohamed Camara disapproves of homosexuality.
But that's his free choice.
He should not be punished for covering up a logo on his football shirt, a logo he had no say in whether he had to wear or not.
And if he has breached the terms of his contract, then that part of his contract stinks.

If this incident had not happened, chances are nobody would be aware of Camara's personal feelings on this issue.
But he has been pushed into revealing his private views, against his will.

This is akin to persecuting players for not taking the knee, or not wearing a poppy logo.
These things are political statements.
They have no place in football as compulsory actions or images in my opinion.

 

Now Manchester City use their all-powerful lawyers to attack the Premier League.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crggez4w209o

This is what happens when foreign Governments are allowed to buy English Football Clubs.
Corruption, rule-breaking with impunity. People bought and paid for.
This Club not only lacks class. It no longer has a soul.

I feel sorry for their fans. I really do.

 

Their fans don't appear to feel sorry for themselves! Quite enjoying lording it over Manu after years of being the junior team, including being beaten 4-0 and 4-1 by us in one season.

 

I still feel sorry for them.
Their Club used to enjoy quite a lot of respect among neutral fans I think.
There is a lot more to being a football fan in my book than making an effort to celebrate 6 bought Titles in 7 seasons.

Hey ho. It's their loss.
We at Charlton, alongside most other Football Clubs, still have our self-respect - even if many of us have little else.