This FIFA World Cup is becoming a mockery of its entrenched values, even as it barely began. This is not for infield incidents but for off-field issues.
There was intense back-and-forth about Iran’s participation until Mexico interceded. Many Europeans are complaining about the cutthroat prices of the match tickets. Days ago, the world was treated to how the team from Senegal was harassed by the immigration team in the USA. Soon enough, Africa’s best referee, Omar Artan of Somalia, lost his rightful place to officiate in his dream World Cup when the USA denied him entry. This is despite having valid visas and a diplomatic passport. Today, we heard Canada has denied access to Thomas Partey, a member of the Ghanaian team for legal issues that have yet to be adjudicated by a law court.
What more are we going to see in this World Cup hosted by North America. Off-field, this would perhaps be the worst World Cup ever conducted by FIFA, we can’t conclude about on-field yet.
To think I was really looking forward to this particular World Cup for the beauty, excitement, and ‘paparazzi’ that the USA, Canada, and Mexico will parade, I have been so far disappointed off-field.
Is this what sports have turned into now? Where is the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship which the World Cup engenders? Where is the value of politics taking the backseat for the joy and camaraderie of sports?
Brace up, people, what has been permitted at this World Cup may jolly-well water down future World Cups. C’est dommage!
#YeahMomentsWithYO!