American Soccer takes a hit

Those who have been pushing soccer down American throats for decades got another setback when the FIFA (the World Cup governing committee) voted to give the hosting honors to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

Both Britain and the U.S. pushed hard for (what some see as) the honor of having the world series of soccer played on their own soil, but when the FIFA was given a world-stage chance (like the recent Olympics) it ran with pointed fingers at American eyes.

Instead of appearing in person with Oprah (for another likely embarrassment), President Obama sent a video message to the soccer decision-makers.  Bill Clinton was enlisted with a delegation, along with Hollywood royalty, including Morgan Freeman to make the governing body swoon.

Britain, the originator of soccer, used prime minister David Cameron and future king Prince William to impress the World Cup committee in its losing effort.

“We go to new lands!” FIFA president Sepp Blatter screamed, unable to contain his euphoria in Zurich today.

It may not all be ideology.  After a British newspaper sting, where two executive committee members were taped asking for money (financial contributions) for votes, the ethics committee fired (suspended) them.

The FIFA also has an alleged history of bribery.  A recent BBC documentary reported that three senior FIFA voting officials (in the 1990s) gleaned $100 million in bribes.