THE national associations -including the Football Association - who waved through Saudi Arabia's World Cup bid with barely a murmur of protest should be ashamed of themselves.
Actually, to term the Saudi proposals for the 2034 tournament as a 'bid' is misleading.
That would imply there was some sort of contest. There wasn't. This outcome has been inevitable since FIFA - led by its president Gianni Infantino - and Saudi power brokers started cosying up in the second half of the last decade.
Remember the opening game of Russia 2018 when the hosts defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in Moscow? Infantino was seated between Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, MBS to his mates.
He loves a powerful man, Gianni. Or 'Jonny' as Donald Trump seemed to call him when giving the FIFA overlord several name-checks in a video for the Club World Cup draw.
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE CLOUD OF TURN
Pep's strugglers slip to 22nd as Ederson clanger puts Juve on road to famous win
SAKA JUST TWO GOOD
THIS is rapidly turning into Bukayo Saka's most important season for Arsenal.
AULD ON TIGHT!
It's England v Scotland and a reunion with Rangers for former Celtic chief Ange and his injury-hit squad as Romero says sorry for swipe at club spending
OVER & DAN NOW
Ruben: Our vision is clear
SAUDI 2034 WORLD CUP CONTROVERSY
Forget human rights, money talks... and the FA should be ashamed they stayed silent
BREWING UP TIME!
Rhian keeps Blades on the boil
CLUCKY IN LOVE
Romance blossomed for Sherrock & Menzies over a KFC
PEATY COULD STILL MAKE A SPLASH IN LA
Olympic swim hero weighing up 2028 bid
RACING IS AT 'CRITICAL POINT'
RACING'S governance structure is \"not fit for the 21st century\" and the sport \"paralysed by selfinterest\", according to the head of racing's media rights arm.
Getting figgy with it
Passion for panettone has sparked a trend for celebrating with fruit puds, experts say
