FIFA World Cups
This thread starts at the run-up stages to the 2014 Football World Cup with, as seems to be customary, controversy surrounding the event.
Will the stadiums be ready in Brazil? Will the Brazilian zest for fun win out over public concern over the cost over-runs and the resulting unrest?
Meanwhile, accusations continue regarding the allocation of the 2018 event to Qatar.
The UK Sunday Times (1st June) claims to have several secret documents (millions - yes you read that correctly, millions), which are alleged to show that payments totalling US$5m were made in support of Qatar's bid, suggesting bribery on a massive scale. Calls are being made to rerun the competition to host the event.
But is FIFA capable of making a credible decision? Maybe they could decide that the Antarctic would be a good venue!
Oh yes, there is that other little matter - who is going to win the World Cup?