A New Hope: Qatar May Lose 2022 World Cup

The recent revelations made by former FA chairman Lord Triesman’s claims to Parliament’s football governance inquiry that FIFA’s Jack Warner, Nicolas Leoz, Worawi Makudi and Ricardo Teixeira asked for a variety of bribes in return for their England 2018 World Cup vote were hardly surprising. We all know FIFA is corrupt, especially the bid process, but the truly shocking revelation about the Qatari bid from a whistle blower inside the Qatari bid team are now threatening to bring about some long awaited justice and strip the tiny Gulf nation of the tournament.

Now I’ve been a pretty big critic of the Qatari bid from the start, and frankly it was absurd to even allow a bit from a country of 1.6 million people, no football culture, and 50C temperatures in the summer. But that said, if they had won the bid fair and square they deserved to hold it, but we all know they didn’t. Politics in the Gulf is marked by bribery, corruption, and nepotism and the Qataris brought that perspective with them, along with a lack of any sense of irony or cynicism to FIFA. It won’t surprise many that a government based on bribery, corruption, and nepotism found fertile ground in which to plant itself in Zurich, but what was surprising was how they seemed to think no one would notice what was going on.

Well now there is evidence behind it, and a re-vote seems possible, but unlikely. I hope they strip Qatar of the World Cup, and give it the second place bid, the United States. A re-vote would inevitably be marred by further allegations of corruption, and another bid process would be too costly. Qatar has lost all credibility, and no matter how much money they spend, they can’t hide now.

Let’s hope justice will be served.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

View the original article here

Clouds over Qatar World Cup...

By Anish on March 25, 2011 5:02 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

If global warming keeps going the way it's going you are going to need more than sunscreen to protect yourself from the blazing sun at the 2022 world cup in Qatar.
Grim predictions that players would evaporate and that referees dressed in black would melt away to nothing have led to some brainstorming on how to beat the heat.
Plan A was to shift the entire World Cup to the winter months when it would be a bit cooler.
Because it was a sensible suggestion Blatter naturally rejected it outright
Plan B was very large umbrellas over everything.( C Ron rejected that suggestion.He said he would look very silly running around the field carrying a great big umbrella)
Plan C is a bit more ambitious.Scientists working around the clock are going to create artificial clouds which will hover over the stadium and give the players the necessary shade to do what they have to do without fear of sunstroke.
Here's the plan...

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Caroline Wozniacki in Liverpool Shirt ( Gerrard) at Qatar Open

Feb 25, 2011

World Tennis No.1 Caroline Wozniacki was seen wearing a Liverpool shirt ( with Steven Gerrard numbering) at the Qatar Open.

The Danish star recently sent a signed Liverpool shirt by the Reds skipper and chose to wear it for their game against Flavia Pennetta whom she duly thrashed 6-2 6-0.

Wozniacki posted news of her receiving the Liverpool shirt on Twitter.

At this moment, all Liverpool fans would probably like to tell Caroline “You’ll never walk alone” !

Photo- Caroline Wozniacki Liverpool Shirt 2011 Qatar Open

Qatar wants to add Man Utd feather to its World Cup cap?

By Shourin Roy on February 24, 2011 9:49 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Andy Green in a Guardian article thinks paying £1.5bn for Man Utd is too much. But it maybe a price the Glazers could settle on to make a tidy profit. If there is anybody that can pull it off without thinking twice it is the al- Thani family that rule Qatar. Which is why there are such persistent rumours of a takeover. It may not be dismissed lightly.

The al-Thani's managed to get the 2022 World Cup against conventional wisdom partly because of their wrinkle free financial clout. A few weeks later Barca signed a record five year £125m million (£25m/ year) shirt sponsorship deal with the Qatar Foundation, a non-profit organization run by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The stunning speed with which the sponsorship was launched was seen by some as a quid pro quo for Spain's support for Qatar's 2022 bid. But more likely it was a way of bailing out of trouble one of the biggest names in football (Barca posted record losses) and creating goodwill. Having UNICEF and the Qatar Foundation logo on the same jersey will not hurt either.

A Man Utd takeover for investment purposes holds no interest for the mega billionaire Qataris. But a club of its stature will be a huge boost to Qatar's ambition as sporting superpower. The ruling family has a history of trying unconventional methods of attracting talented players to the tiny Emirate but they've largely failed. Now it has set up the Aspire Football Dreams Academy that sends out scouts to countries to sign up talented schoolchildren and bring them to Qatar to develop them. Some of them might nurse ambitions playing for a club like Man Utd while their end of the bargain would be to represent Qatar.

There maybe substance to these rumours if we start looking away from an investment angle and consider the larger vision that Qatar is intent on embarking.

Categories: English Premier League 2011, Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Books & Magazines, Soccer Business, Soccer Culture, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Politics, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Teams - National, World Cup History Tags: Manchester United, Qatar, World Cup 2022 No TrackBacks

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De Boer: Qatar can handle player heat concern

Former Holland international Ronald de Boer believes the soaring heat in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup will not affect players, only fans.

Qatar’s intense summer has been the subject of debate since the tiny Gulf nation was awarded the right to host football’s biggest tournament in December.

Concerns have been raised about player safety given temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day, prompting FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini to consider shifting the tournament to January.

But Qatar World Cup bid ambassador De Boer – who finished his career in the country with Al-Shamal – believes players will not be affected by the heat due to air-conditioning technology installed in yet-to-be-built stadiums in Qatar, though he worries about the safety of supporters outside the arenas.

“Playing is not an issue because we have the technology already that will cool down the stadium inside, so for me the players there won’t be a problem,” De Boer said.

“The only worry for me is for the people. Football is for the fans, so I see a little issue there maybe, but football wise for the players they will have great conditions. I don’t see any problems with that.”

“If it was up to me I would say move it a month backwards because May is perfect, so you would have it from the beginning of May to the beginning of June.”

“That’s my opinion but who am I to say? Qatar has always bid to host it in the summer so we’re not deciding that it should be in the winter or some time else.”

De Boer also revealed he is to replace Dennis Bergkamp in leading Ajax’s youth team, fuelling speculation that the former Arsenal star is to become an assistant to Ronald’s twin brother, Frank.

Frank de Boer was appointed caretaker manager of Ajax following Martin Jol’s resignation in December.

“I will move back to Amsterdam in the summer, as I’m going to start coaching the youth team,” the younger De Boer said.

“I’m also doing my coaching badge and trying to get that and see how I like it.”

“My kids are getting older now; they are turning 18 and 15 so they want to be in Amsterdam so it’s time for me to go back.”

“But I want to make sure the link with Qatar is very strong. I’m going to be involved in the World Cup and let’s see how it goes.”

Tue 8 February, 2011

De Boer: Qatar can handle player heat concern

Former Holland international Ronald de Boer believes the soaring heat in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup will not affect players, only fans.

Qatar’s intense summer has been the subject of debate since the tiny Gulf nation was awarded the right to host football’s biggest tournament in December.

Concerns have been raised about player safety given temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day, prompting FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and UEFA chief Michel Platini to consider shifting the tournament to January.

But Qatar World Cup bid ambassador De Boer – who finished his career in the country with Al-Shamal – believes players will not be affected by the heat due to air-conditioning technology installed in yet-to-be-built stadiums in Qatar, though he worries about the safety of supporters outside the arenas.

“Playing is not an issue because we have the technology already that will cool down the stadium inside, so for me the players there won’t be a problem,” De Boer said.

“The only worry for me is for the people. Football is for the fans, so I see a little issue there maybe, but football wise for the players they will have great conditions. I don’t see any problems with that.”

“If it was up to me I would say move it a month backwards because May is perfect, so you would have it from the beginning of May to the beginning of June.”

“That’s my opinion but who am I to say? Qatar has always bid to host it in the summer so we’re not deciding that it should be in the winter or some time else.”

De Boer also revealed he is to replace Dennis Bergkamp in leading Ajax’s youth team, fuelling speculation that the former Arsenal star is to become an assistant to Ronald’s twin brother, Frank.

Frank de Boer was appointed caretaker manager of Ajax following Martin Jol’s resignation in December.

“I will move back to Amsterdam in the summer, as I’m going to start coaching the youth team,” the younger De Boer said.

“I’m also doing my coaching badge and trying to get that and see how I like it.”

“My kids are getting older now; they are turning 18 and 15 so they want to be in Amsterdam so it’s time for me to go back.”

“But I want to make sure the link with Qatar is very strong. I’m going to be involved in the World Cup and let’s see how it goes.”

Tue 8 February, 2011

Comment on Qatar to offer Guardiola €20 million per year by ferrari

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Qatar to offer Guardiola €20 million per year

Qatar Football Federation chiefs want Pep Guardiola to take over as national team boss after Bruno Metsu was sacked from the post.

Having played for Al Ahli for two years, Guardiola formed excellent relationships with numerous Qatar football officials and he even helped the Arab country win the 2022 World Cup bid.

The Qatar national team chief, Skeikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad al-Thani now wants to return the favour and he is willing to offer the Barcelona coach

Qatar to offer Guardiola €20 million per year

Qatar Football Federation chiefs want Pep Guardiola to take over as national team boss after Bruno Metsu was sacked from the post.

Having played for Al Ahli for two years, Guardiola formed excellent relationships with numerous Qatar football officials and he even helped the Arab country win the 2022 World Cup bid.

The Qatar national team chief, Skeikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad al-Thani now wants to return the favour and he is willing to offer the Barcelona coach

Qatar sack Bruno Metsu

Qatar Football Federation have announced Bruno Metsu is no longer national team coach, following team’s poor performance at the Asian Cup.

After Qatar were eliminated in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, the national team chiefs decided to sack Bruno Metsu and start search for the new boss.

Qatar sack Bruno Metsu

Qatar Football Federation have announced Bruno Metsu is no longer national team coach, following team’s poor performance at the Asian Cup.

After Qatar were eliminated in the Asian Cup quarter-finals, the national team chiefs decided to sack Bruno Metsu and start search for the new boss.

Qatar bow out of Asian Cup

By Anish on January 22, 2011 5:52 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Qatar were done in by an 89th minute goal from Japan.They were in the lead two times in the game through goals from Sebastian Soria and Fabio Cesar.
Shinji Kagawa is not going to be a popular name in Qatar for awhile.He scored the equaliser both times.
With the game apparently destined for extra-time, an enterprising Kagawa dribble drew Qatar goalkeeper Qasem Burhan from his line and when the ball broke to defender Masahiko Inoha, he rolled home the winner- preventing Qatar from entering the semi final stage - something that would have been a first for them.

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Asian Cup: Qatar 2 Japan 3

A last-minute Masahiko Inoha goal gave 10-man Japan a dramatic 3-2 victory over Qatar in a thrilling Asian Cup quarter-final on Friday.

Qatar twice went ahead through Sebastian Soria and Fabio Cesar Montezine, but Shinji Kagawa equalised on both occasions before Inoha’s 90th minute strike secured victory for the three-time Asian Cup winners.

While Japan made three changes headlined by Eiji Kawashima’s return from suspension, Qatar made just the one, with Mesaad Ali Al Hamad starting in place of the suspended Mohammed Kasola.

Qatar lost left-back Ibrahim Majid in the 11th minute to a hamstring injury, but were undettered by the setback and went ahead just a minute later.

The goal came when Sebastian Soria was inexplicably allowed to turn onto his left foot in the Japanese penalty area, before squeezing his shot past Eiji Kawashima for his first goal of the tournament.

Japan fought back in the 27th minute when Borussia Dortmund’s Kagawa produced the equaliser.

A chip into the penalty area from Keisuke Honda set Shinji Okazaki free, who lofted the ball over the oncoming Qasem Burhan in the Qatar goal.

Okazaki’s chip was headed for the back of the net but with the presence of Ali Al Hamad, Kagawa was required to bundle it home from the goal-line to level proceedings.

The lively Yousef Ahmad had a chance to put Qatar in front but dragged his shot wide, while Burhan made two good saves within a minute, denying Okazaki and Makoto Hasebe.

Japan came out with an attacking mindset after the interval, and Okazaki went close to scoring but his header flashed just wide, before Nagatomo’s 20-yard strike was well saved by Burhan.

Qatar were given a boost after the hour mark following the dubious sending off of Japan’s Maya Yoshida, who received his marching orders after a questionable second yellow card when he tried to tackle Ahmad.

Qatar deepened the wound when substitute Cesar Montezine scored from the resultant free-kick after a poor piece of goalkeeping from Kawashima.

Rather than pressing on and looking for a third goal, Qatar went on the defensive and allowed Japan time and space on the ball.

And they were quickly made to pay when Kagawa pounced on a ball that spilt on the edge of the box before sending a neat finish to equalise with 20 minutes to play.

Just as it seemed the match was heading for extra time, Inoha popped up to crush Qatar’s hope of a first Asian Cup semi-final appearance, slotting the ball home into goal following Khaled Muftah’s challenge on Kagawa.

Fri 21 January, 2011

Asian Cup: Qatar 2 Japan 3

A last-minute Masahiko Inoha goal gave 10-man Japan a dramatic 3-2 victory over Qatar in a thrilling Asian Cup quarter-final on Friday.

Qatar twice went ahead through Sebastian Soria and Fabio Cesar Montezine, but Shinji Kagawa equalised on both occasions before Inoha’s 90th minute strike secured victory for the three-time Asian Cup winners.

While Japan made three changes headlined by Eiji Kawashima’s return from suspension, Qatar made just the one, with Mesaad Ali Al Hamad starting in place of the suspended Mohammed Kasola.

Qatar lost left-back Ibrahim Majid in the 11th minute to a hamstring injury, but were undettered by the setback and went ahead just a minute later.

The goal came when Sebastian Soria was inexplicably allowed to turn onto his left foot in the Japanese penalty area, before squeezing his shot past Eiji Kawashima for his first goal of the tournament.

Japan fought back in the 27th minute when Borussia Dortmund’s Kagawa produced the equaliser.

A chip into the penalty area from Keisuke Honda set Shinji Okazaki free, who lofted the ball over the oncoming Qasem Burhan in the Qatar goal.

Okazaki’s chip was headed for the back of the net but with the presence of Ali Al Hamad, Kagawa was required to bundle it home from the goal-line to level proceedings.

The lively Yousef Ahmad had a chance to put Qatar in front but dragged his shot wide, while Burhan made two good saves within a minute, denying Okazaki and Makoto Hasebe.

Japan came out with an attacking mindset after the interval, and Okazaki went close to scoring but his header flashed just wide, before Nagatomo’s 20-yard strike was well saved by Burhan.

Qatar were given a boost after the hour mark following the dubious sending off of Japan’s Maya Yoshida, who received his marching orders after a questionable second yellow card when he tried to tackle Ahmad.

Qatar deepened the wound when substitute Cesar Montezine scored from the resultant free-kick after a poor piece of goalkeeping from Kawashima.

Rather than pressing on and looking for a third goal, Qatar went on the defensive and allowed Japan time and space on the ball.

And they were quickly made to pay when Kagawa pounced on a ball that spilt on the edge of the box before sending a neat finish to equalise with 20 minutes to play.

Just as it seemed the match was heading for extra time, Inoha popped up to crush Qatar’s hope of a first Asian Cup semi-final appearance, slotting the ball home into goal following Khaled Muftah’s challenge on Kagawa.

Fri 21 January, 2011

Japan vs Qatar Highlights 3-2 Video- Quarterfinal Asian Cup

Jan 21, 2011

Japan vs Qatar

Asian Cup 2011- Quarterfinal

January 21, 2011- 16.25 local time

Final score:- Japan 3-2 Qatar (Shinji Kagawa

Asian Cup: China 0 Qatar 2

Qatar kept their Asian Cup hopes alive with a brilliant 2-0 win – featuring one of the goals of the tournament – over China on Thursday.

Having lost the tournament opener to Uzbekistan 2-0, the hosts needed a win against one of the favourites and delivered thanks to a first-half double from enigmatic striker Yousef Ahmed.

Qatar manager Bruno Metsu re-shuffled his pack and bolstered his attacking options, bringing in Ahmed, Mohammed Kasola and Mohammed Al-Sayed in the place of Hussein Yasser, Jarallah Ali and Fabio Cesar.

Chinese boss Gao Hongbo also lived up to his promise to rotate by making three changes to the side that defeated Kuwait 2-0, including the recall of goalkeeper Zeng Cheng in place of Yang Zhi.

Qatar made the most of a high-octane beginning, with striker Sebastian Soria troubling the Chinese defence in front of more than 30,000 fans at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Gao’s side struggled to get out of their half in the early stages and should have been a goal behind after 10 minutes when Soria failed to make the most of a lucky deflection, blazing wide from close range when it seemed easier to score.

The scare shocked China into life and they began to pump the ball into the box, attempting to make the most of a perceived weakness in the Qatar defence.

China had a chance of their own to take the lead, but Gao Lin’s deflected shot was well saved by the acrobatic Qasem Burhan and Ahmed nearly made them pay, firing into the side netting after a quick counter-attack exposed holes in the China defence.

But less than a minute after he hit the side netting, Ahmed scored with a strike that will be hard to top at the tournament.

The 22-year-old chested down a header, turned and controlled the ball on his thigh before smashing an unstoppable strike past Zeng that swerved into the top-left corner from beyond the penalty area.

China attempted to draw level with Yu Hai going close but they were once again shocked by Ahmed, who scored his second on the stroke of half-time.

A long throw was flicked on by his strike partner Soria and again Ahmed showed brilliant control to trap the ball with one touch, before turning and shooting.

Chinese captain Du Wei had perhaps allowed Ahmed too much time on the ball and was made to pay as the striker’s shot – again from outside the 18-yard box – crept into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

It sparked wild celebrations from the crowd, who knew a two-goal advantage at half-time would be hard to beat.

The second half petered out as Qatar sat back, content with their advantage, while China lacked that little bit of quality in the final third.

Substitute Yang Xu produced a neat turn-and-shot just after half-time but his effort flashed past the post, while Soria could have killed off the contest after showing great touch and speed to break clear from the Chinese defence, only to see his shot go wide.

Ahmed was substituted to a standing ovation after 63 minutes as Qatar – who looked shaky early – coped easily with a Chinese attack that never looked like scoring once they had given up the lead.

Their night was summed up when Rong Hao’s free-kick from beyond 30 yards flew well over the bar as the match drew to a close.

Both sides are now on three points from two Group A fixtures and have it all to play for in their final group matches, with China facing group leaders Uzbekistan and Qatar taking on pointless Kuwait.

Thu 13 January, 2011

Metsu apologises for Qatar performance

Qatar manager Bruno Metsu was furious with his side after they lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan in the opening match of the 2011 Asian Cup.

The hosts failed to produce in front of their fans on Friday, with the crowd at the Khalifa Stadium going home disappointed after Odil Akhmedov and Server Djeparov both struck in the second half for the visitors.

The result means Qatar may struggle to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament and the result clearly disappointed Metsu.

“Today is a very bad start for our team,” Metsu said.

“We wanted to play well for the people, for everybody but we played a very bad game today. I’m sorry for the fans, for everybody but sometimes it is very difficult to play well right from the start of a tournament, particularly with pressure on the players.”

“Today is really a bad day. Sometimes the opening game is very difficult, it’s not the first time a host team has lost their first game. They worked very hard for this game but sometimes the opposite happens and this was the case today.”

Metsu is under no illusion as to what is required if Qatar are to leave their group, insisting a win was vital against China on Wednesday.

“For us, this game we need to win only. No question, no calculations, nothing. If we want to get to the second round, the only result is to win,” he said.

“We have five or six days to prepare for this game and also, I think the pressure is different for the second game for our team. I think it is possible, I respect China because they are also a good team but what my team showed today is not us.”

Despite watching his side win comfortably, Uzbekistan manager Vadim Abramov insists his side can play a lot better.

“I’m very sorry for Qatar people because this was a big celebration for them,” Abramov said.

“They (the players) played great today but this is not our maximum, I still think that we can play much better. We got the three points today and we are happy now, but we should not relax for the next match.”

“We will enjoy this now but tomorrow we will look to the next match. The fact that we beat Qatar today will help us for the next game.”

Abramov’s side can wrap up qualification for the quarter-finals if they manage to defeat reigning Gulf Cup of Nations champion Kuwait in their next group match on January 12.

Sat 8 January, 2011

Metsu apologises for Qatar performance

Qatar manager Bruno Metsu was furious with his side after they lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan in the opening match of the 2011 Asian Cup.

The hosts failed to produce in front of their fans on Friday, with the crowd at the Khalifa Stadium going home disappointed after Odil Akhmedov and Server Djeparov both struck in the second half for the visitors.

The result means Qatar may struggle to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament and the result clearly disappointed Metsu.

“Today is a very bad start for our team,” Metsu said.

“We wanted to play well for the people, for everybody but we played a very bad game today. I’m sorry for the fans, for everybody but sometimes it is very difficult to play well right from the start of a tournament, particularly with pressure on the players.”

“Today is really a bad day. Sometimes the opening game is very difficult, it’s not the first time a host team has lost their first game. They worked very hard for this game but sometimes the opposite happens and this was the case today.”

Metsu is under no illusion as to what is required if Qatar are to leave their group, insisting a win was vital against China on Wednesday.

“For us, this game we need to win only. No question, no calculations, nothing. If we want to get to the second round, the only result is to win,” he said.

“We have five or six days to prepare for this game and also, I think the pressure is different for the second game for our team. I think it is possible, I respect China because they are also a good team but what my team showed today is not us.”

Despite watching his side win comfortably, Uzbekistan manager Vadim Abramov insists his side can play a lot better.

“I’m very sorry for Qatar people because this was a big celebration for them,” Abramov said.

“They (the players) played great today but this is not our maximum, I still think that we can play much better. We got the three points today and we are happy now, but we should not relax for the next match.”

“We will enjoy this now but tomorrow we will look to the next match. The fact that we beat Qatar today will help us for the next game.”

Abramov’s side can wrap up qualification for the quarter-finals if they manage to defeat reigning Gulf Cup of Nations champion Kuwait in their next group match on January 12.

Sat 8 January, 2011

Qatar 0-2 Uzbekistan: 2011 Asian Cup Highlights (Video)

Qatar loses to Uzbekistan in Asian Cup opener

By Shourin Roy on January 7, 2011 8:05 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Odil Akhmedov scored from a 30 yard belter to give the Uzbekis the lead. The goal was reminiscent of Siphiwe Tshabalala's scorcher for SA against Mexico in the World Cup's opening game. The Qataris then went to sleep as Server Djeparov intercepted a pass and added to the tally.

The lesson learned by Qatar's royal family will be to increase pay and naturalize foreign born talent more quickly.

Categories: Soccer Videos, Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - National, Soccer Politics, Soccer Players, Soccer Hall of Fame, Soccer Culture, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer Business, Gossip/Trash Talk Tags: Asian Cup 2011, Odil Akhmedov, Qatar, Server Djeparov, Uzbekistan No TrackBacks

TrackBack URL: http://www.soccerblog.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-t.cgi/7903.

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