Leander on the Politics of Football

Schaerlaeckens letter to FIFA

Really, Blatter?

Gaff by the FIFA president Sepp Blatter doesn't do much to improve soccer's image as the least gay-friendly sport on the planet. While discussing the current laws in Qatar, including the illegality of homosexuality, Blatter had this gem of a joke:

"I would say they should refrain from any sexual activities."

Lovely. And his save?

"We are definitely living in a world of freedom and I'm sure when the World Cup will be in Qatar in 2022, there will be no problems."

No offense, Mr. Blatter, but I'm not holding my breath.

Source: Sepp Blatter in hot water for making 'gay joke' when discussing Qatar World Cup 2022 - Telegraph

The Ails of Football

Becoming a fan of any team is a long and dangerous journey, and my early support for Manchester City is approaching it's first obstacle.  Carlos Tevez, this seasons highest scorer for the Citizens, has requested a transfer from the team. While transfers themselves are not rare, it is still painful when a club's captain feels he just can't work things out with upper management.

How will this affect my feelings for the team? Hard to say, really. City performed well without Tevez this weekend against West Ham (3-1 win). Adam Johnson got some playing time, which always makes me happy.  So I can see myself still supporting the Citizens even without the talented Argentinean.   However, if a transfer brought in a player I strongly dislike (read: Rooney, which I'm pretty sure is impossible), then my feelings would be hard to predict. I would probably be heard calling out such silly phrases as "Come on, you Lilywhites!" or "Go Liverpool!"

The only good to come of losing the World Cup to Qatar...

... is that these scarves are were on sale!