The NCAP Soccerball Thread

[Beebo]

Every interview with every FIFA representative must always start with a question about the FiFA peace prize. They can not be allowed to brush it under the carpet and forget about it.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

...but they never do.

True, they don't, but I still think they hold a lot more power than clubs and administrators like to admit.

 

[Rusty Nails]

As Newcastle and Manchester City have shown the only thing most football fans are concerned about is the success of their team. The politics are easily overlooked.

 

[Pblakeney]

True, they don't, but I still think they hold a lot more power than clubs and administrators like to admit.

As Newcastle and Manchester City have shown the only thing most football fans are concerned about is the success of their team. The politics are easily overlooked.

The sad truth is that you are both correct, at the same time. It's an odd world.

 

[AndyRM]

I will watch but I can't stand FIFA. I take solace in the separation (in my head at least!) of the actual football and real fans from FIFA and all other governing bodies; UEFA, Premier League and so on. I still think the game belongs to fans, regardless of what FIFA et al do. People will say that is naive, but if fans chose to walk away then the game is dead in the water.

I'm fortunate in that I support Kilmarnock and my local non league side North Shields so concerns a about the big governing bodies are pretty much limited to international football.

I am slightly disappointed that Scotland have chosen to choose this World Cup to end their near 30 year boycott of the tournament but I'm still pleased we're there. I expect we'll lose to Haiti, draw with Morocco and beat Brazil.

 

[AndyRM]

As Newcastle and Manchester City have shown the only thing most football fans are concerned about is the success of their team. The politics are easily overlooked.

You can add Arsenal to that list. Their association with a sketchy, oil rich Middle Eastern nation is older than Man City's.

 

[UglyWithaSidePart]

I'm fortunate in that I support Kilmarnock and my local non league side North Shields so concerns a about the big governing bodies are pretty much limited to international football.

I am slightly disappointed that Scotland have chosen to choose this World Cup to end their near 30 year boycott of the tournament but I'm still pleased we're there. I expect we'll lose to Haiti, draw with Morocco and beat Brazil.

Last paragraph is awesome 🙌

 

[AndyRM]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce844m5yzgvo

To put that in context for non soccerball fans, they've played less games than James Milner, and he's "only" been playing for 24 years.

Quite a few of the fellas I know still deride the women's game, so there's clearly a lot of work to be done, but it's good that it's growing in popularity both in participation and support.

 

[AndyRM]

And in World Cup soccerball politics, fans are going to be ripped off to get to the stadia... Cycling may be an option for some I suppose, but not one many are likely to take.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyjp404w87o

ETA - this isn't for all the venues, but one or two is bad enough.

 

[Beebo]

And in World Cup soccerball politics, fans are going to be ripped off to get to the stadia... Cycling may be an option for some I suppose, but not one many are likely to take.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyjp404w87o

ETA - this isn't for all the venues, but one or two is bad enough.

I actually feel sorry for FIFA on this one. It’s just blatant price gouging from the local government.
Most host countries offer reduced fares to supporters and reap the benefit for increased local spending and generates good will.
The is no such thing as a free lunch in the land of the free.

 

[AndyRM]

I actually feel sorry for FIFA on this one. It’s just blatant price gouging from the local government.
Most host countries offer reduced fares to supporters and reap the benefit for increased local spending and generates good will.
The is no such thing as a free lunch in the land of the free.

You... Feel sorry for FIFA?! That's a first.

Totally see what you're saying though, you're not wrong.

 

[Pblakeney]

I actually feel sorry for FIFA on this one. It’s just blatant price gouging from the local government.
Most host countries offer reduced fares to supporters and reap the benefit for increased local spending and generates good will.
The is no such thing as a free lunch in the land of the free.

That one in NJ is a prime example. Regularly host sporting and entertainment events, all at normal travel pricing. This is gouging plain and simple. I hope it backfires and nobody goes. Won’t happen, but I wish it would.

 

[Beebo]

That one in NJ is a prime example. Regularly host sporting and entertainment events, all at normal travel pricing. This is gouging plain and simple. I hope it backfires and nobody goes. Won’t happen, but I wish it would.

Exactly.
Imagine TFL charging £70 to get to Wimbledon, or Wembley or Twickenham.
It’s scandalous.
I think travel was very cheap during the Olympics in London.

 

[AndyRM]

I'm pretty sure Russia had a cheap/free deal for train travel between host cities, but something like that would be seen as woke communism in the USA...

 

[stephec]

I expect we'll lose to Haiti, draw with Morocco and beat Brazil.

Like Argentina '78, who's going to do a Archie Gemmill though?