(30 May 2014, 10:10 pm)aureolin wrote Did you steward the Juventus game in 02/03? I remember the atmosphere was really tense that night. It was a bit surreal at times, but credit to the Italian fans.

I did, but wasn't in my usual spot behind the Leazes End Goal. Still managed to see Griffins goal like.

(30 May 2014, 9:33 pm)aureolin wrote One of the best. Both him and Robert were amazing to watch around that era.

After David Beckham and Roberto Carlos, Robert and Solano had a lovely free kick on then...I used to enjoy Newcastle at that time, about the time Sir Bobby was in charge, they played some attractive football under him

(30 May 2014, 9:59 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Just before me.
Started at the start of the 2001/2 season for a few extra quid on top of my full time job.

With the European games and domestic games, I was clearing an extra £100 a month or so, which made a canny difference at the time.

T.E.M had it when I started, but it was taken back in house - which meant we were on the payroll of the club and got staff discount in club shops etc.

For me, working a casual job clocking in under 16 hours per week kept the dole off my back. I didn't have to fill in those Job Search log-book things when I signed on and I could choose which positions I applied for without much hassle from my Jobseeker Advisor.

I don't think I earned very much but it served a purpose.

(30 May 2014, 10:18 pm)AdamY wrote For me, working a casual job clocking in under 16 hours per week kept the dole off my back. I didn't have to fill in those Job Search log-book things when I signed on and I could choose which positions I applied for without much hassle from my Jobseeker Advisor.

I don't think I earned very much but it served a purpose.

It was £25 a game, less tax. So in an average month, there were generally 3/4 home games, which meant say a hundred quid extra in my bank account.

When we were put onto the payroll, each pay day was treat with nervous excitement just incase Alan Shearers pay had been put into my bank account by mistake.
It never happened unfortunately.

Qatar 2022: New allegations of corruption by Mohamed bin Hammam

http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup...bin-hammam

Well we all know they bought the world cup....

(01 Jun 2014, 9:18 am)Michael wrote Qatar 2022: New allegations of corruption by Mohamed bin Hammam

http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup...bin-hammam

Well we all know they bought the world cup....

Qatar should not have getting it under any circumstances, the country is tiny with a small population and not enough places to meet FIFA'S criteria of 14 Grounds in 12 different cities with one city having, in Qatar most grounds will be close to Doha, there was even talk of some games going to neighboring countries...

In Qatar there is just over 2.1 million people, 1 team for every 67,000 people and 1 game for every 33,000 compared to Brazil whose population is 202 million, 1 team for every 6.2 million people and 1 match for every 3.1 million.

While I think it is good that areas have the chance to bid for a World Cup and it can give boost to these countries, I think the Qatari bid should never have won in the first place...

So what should be done about it, should it be taken from them, it has been mentioned Legal Action could be taking against FIFA and if that happens I could see it staying in the Asian Football Confederation either China or Australia somewhere like that or America, I would love to see us get it, but FIFA would not have that as they don't like consecutive tournaments on the same continent...

I have even heard someone say the 2018 bid should also be re-run as well, I could imagine the Russians being as bent as a nine bob note...

FIFA are nothing now, a big joke and hopefully Sepp Blather should stand down now, FIFA needs to take a long hard look at themselves, and regroup with a new set of rules

Another alternative would be for each respective FA to withdraw from FIFA and form a new international body if everyone is upset with Blatter and the way he governs. Or to boycott the Qatar World Cup.

The problem with legal challenges when dealing with transnational organisations is deciding where such action should be taken. Different countries have different laws and local interpretation of those laws might prove extremely problematic. While I accept that each individual FA commits to some sort of binding contract, FIFA could feasibly turn around and say 'our competiton; our rules' and change any terms and conditions as they see fit. Plus, what would be the outcome of such a lawsuit? Renumeration? Reclocation? International arrest warrants for corrupt FIFA officials? The dismissal of Blatter? The dissolution of FIFA? What exactly would be achieved?

(01 Jun 2014, 5:02 pm)AdamY wrote Another alternative would be for each respective FA to withdraw from FIFA and form a new international body if everyone is upset with Blatter and the way he governs. Or to boycott the Qatar World Cup.

The problem with legal challenges when dealing with transnational organisations is deciding where such action should be taken. Different countries have different laws and local interpretation of those laws might prove extremely problematic. While I accept that each individual FA commits to some sort of binding contract, FIFA could feasibly turn around and say 'our competiton; our rules' and change any terms and conditions as they see fit. Plus, what would be the outcome of such a lawsuit? Renumeration? Reclocation? International arrest warrants for corrupt FIFA officials? The dismissal of Blatter? The dissolution of FIFA? What exactly would be achieved?

I was not not suggesting a complete dissolution of FIFA, but your right what would that achieve, more than likely nothing.

I was suggesting the current FIFA board should stand down, elect a new board with the intention of re-writing the rulebook...

As for legal action, I don't know what the outcome would be, I only heard it once in an interview a while back, I think it was said action could be taken as it is a legal contract and FIFA would breaking it, but as I have said before, they more than likely don't tick all the criteria FIFA has in place and should not have got in the first place for that

I am not sure if a boycott would work, there will be 32 teams from anywhere quite happily going to Qatar, in my opinion, a mass boycott would only be effective if the world's top teams walked...If, let's say, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Holland, Brazil, Argentina boycotted Qatar, then that might make FIFA sit up and take notice as those 6 teams are probably who most want to see and the TV deal would no doubt be affected by it as those 6 also gets the highest viewers.

There is also the issue of the Qatari summer, temperature being in mid-40's at times and the whole argument that it should be moved to Winter, but that presents a problem as well

(01 Jun 2014, 5:34 pm)marxistafozzski wrote There is also the issue of the Qatari summer, temperature being in mid-40's at times and the whole argument that it should be moved to Winter, but that presents a problem as well

Together with allegations of corrucption, the Qatari summer could provide the impetus for a boycott thereby forcing FIFA to reconsider the decision to hold the World Cup there.

(01 Jun 2014, 5:58 pm)AdamY wrote Together with allegations of corrucption, the Qatari summer could provide the impetus for a boycott thereby forcing FIFA to reconsider the decision to hold the World Cup there.

Can't disagree with that mate, it is still talked about being held in Winter, but that will cause havoc to most European Leagues.

There is also Qatars human rights record concerning migrant workers and there stance on homosexuality, there is also the Israeli problem, although Qatar said Israel will be granted entry should they qualify, but they still refuse to recognise Israel as a sovereignty country, that issue on it's own can potentially cause problems and could be a security nightmare and could potentially an Arab walkout...One Interesting point, if it all goes ahead as planned, then Qatar will be loosening there laws on alcohol by setting up designated fan areas to drink

(01 Jun 2014, 6:39 pm)marxistafozzski wrote Can't disagree with that mate, it is still talked about being held in Winter, but that will cause havoc to most European Leagues.

There is also Qatars human rights record concerning migrant workers and there stance on homosexuality, there is also the Israeli problem, although Qatar said Israel will be granted entry should they qualify, but they still refuse to recognise Israel as a sovereignty country, that issue on it's own can potentially cause problems and could be a security nightmare and could potentially an Arab walkout...One Interesting point, if it all goes ahead as planned, then Qatar will be loosening there laws on alcohol by setting up designated fan areas to drink

Shouldn't have to be held at winter time, its a summer tournament , so it should stay there.

I hope they do a re-vote if they are found guilty.

I would liked to see the USA host it or South Korea for 2022.
-------------

Reason i used Bold is because you said what i was gonna say.


Known some fans they will go out of the alcohol zone by accident and it will end up bad for them, stuck in their prisons.. no thanks

There's also the problem of covering up fully - in 50c heat, haha that will go down well - you know us English love to walk around with no tops on at 15c!

Building a full new city for the world cup... ye so that's not fishy either!


Whole bids for the 2018/2022 world cup was done by payments.

Whole of FIFA is corrupt

(02 Jun 2014, 10:16 am)Michael wrote Shouldn't have to be held at winter time, its a summer tournament , so it should stay there.

I hope they do a re-vote if they are found guilty.

I would liked to see the USA host it or South Korea for 2022.
-------------

Reason i used Bold is because you said what i was gonna say.


Known some fans they will go out of the alcohol zone by accident and it will end up bad for them, stuck in their prisons.. no thanks

There's also the problem of covering up fully - in 50c heat, haha that will go down well - you know us English love to walk around with no tops on at 15c!

Building a full new city for the world cup... ye so that's not fishy either!


Whole bids for the 2018/2022 world cup was done by payments.

Whole of FIFA is corrupt

Throughout the whole bid Australia was seen as having the strongest bid, they have not had it before, apart from games kicking off at daft o'clock I think Oz would put a good show on..

(02 Jun 2014, 10:31 am)marxistafozzski wrote Throughout the whole bid Australia was seen as having the strongest bid, they have not had it before, apart from games kicking off at daft o'clock I think Oz would put a good show on..

ye the time different would be rubbish but why should they miss out because of that, they only got 1 vote, like us.

FIFA need to sort themselves out... maybe a full change in leaders etc?

Blatter needs to go

(02 Jun 2014, 10:37 am)Michael wrote ye the time different would be rubbish but why should they miss out because of that, they only got 1 vote, like us.

FIFA need to sort themselves out... maybe a full change in leaders etc?

Blatter needs to go

IF the whole process for 2022 is to be re-run I personally think it should between the USA and Australia.

Australia never had it, have a proven track record of hosting International Events e.g Sydney Olympics, 2003 Rugby World, Commonwealth Games and big Cricket Events

USA will be nearly 30 years since they hosted the World Cup, again, they have a decent record of hosting big events.

As for the likes of S.Korea, it will only have been 20 years since they hosted the World Cup, although that was co-hosted with Japan...The only other places in Asia capable of holding the World Cup would probably be China, whether they would get it is a different matter.

In North America there is also Canada, they could maybe throw there weight into it with Yanks...

If the Daily Star is to be believed

England In Line To Host World Cup in 2018

#england42018
#Oz42022

[GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

(02 Jun 2014, 12:11 pm)marxistafozzski wrote USA will be nearly 30 years since they hosted the World Cup, again, they have a decent record of hosting big events.

As for the likes of S.Korea, it will only have been 20 years since they hosted the World Cup, although that was co-hosted with Japan...The only other places in Asia capable of holding the World Cup would probably be China, whether they would get it is a different matter.

Sorry to be pedantic.

The World Cup was held in the USA in 1994; and South Korea/Japan in 2002. 20 years and 12 years have passed respectively, not the 30 and 20 years as you have stated.

(02 Jun 2014, 2:06 pm)AdamY wrote Sorry to be pedantic.

The World Cup was held in the USA in 1994; and South Korea/Japan in 2002. 20 years and 12 years have passed respectively, not the 30 and 20 years as you have stated.

Yes, I know, I was trying to say that by the time 2022 comes along it would be 20 years for South Korea and just short of 30 for America

Sorry, I should probably read and contextualise better.

(02 Jun 2014, 2:27 pm)AdamY wrote Sorry, I should probably read and contextualise better.

No bother mate...

It is also looking likely the 2018 vote may be re-run as I pointed out with the Star main headline, as Russia and Qatar were voted on at the same time...

Of course the safe bets are England and Australia for 2018 and 2022 and the best going for them is that the infrastructure is already in place, we probably have the safest stadiums in Europes and probably the World apart from a couple of Stadium Expansions, very little building work would need to be done...

There is another option of course, copy what UEFA plan for Euro 2022 and give the tournament to a region, Euro 2020 is going to be pan European with matches all over Europe...

So maybe award the 2018 World Cup in the same way, let Great Britain organise it with games in England, Wales, Scotland and the Island of Ireland and make 2022 a Pan Asian tournament...

I still say FIFA needs to be reorganised, starting with Blatter resigning, some people close to FIFA have said he can't not have known what was going and he had been warned by England's bid team that people were looking for brown envelopes, but nothing was done about it...

This whole process absolutely stinks, imagine the smelliest turd and wet fart you smelled and it stinks more than that...

If it looks like a turd and smells like a turd, then it actually is a turd...FIFA and Blatter being the Turd

I personally would not believe anything the Star writes, I would not trust the football results or wipe my arse with it...

(02 Jun 2014, 10:31 am)marxistafozzski wrote Throughout the whole bid Australia was seen as having the strongest bid, they have not had it before, apart from games kicking off at daft o'clock I think Oz would put a good show on..

Australia would actually be perfect for a summer world cup, due to the fact it's the middle of winter over there. Not to mention it's a bloody good place to live.

(02 Jun 2014, 10:37 am)Michael wrote ye the time different would be rubbish but why should they miss out because of that, they only got 1 vote, like us.

FIFA need to sort themselves out... maybe a full change in leaders etc?

Blatter needs to go

I think people have pointed out in the past about who has authority over FIFA, Blatter is the President, but who does he answer to, under whose Jurisdiction does FIFA they are a multi - national organisation based in Switzerland, so who polices them, the local police, Interpol, Europol.

Does Blatter answer to anybody or El Presidente responsible for himself, nobody seems to know...

I think the top job is up for grabs soon and I can't see Blatter getting voted back into the top job

(02 Jun 2014, 10:18 pm)marxistafozzski wrote I think people have pointed out in the past about who has authority over FIFA, Blatter is the President, but who does he answer to, under whose Jurisdiction does FIFA they are a multi - national organisation based in Switzerland, so who polices them, the local police, Interpol, Europol.

Does Blatter answer to anybody or El Presidente responsible for himself, nobody seems to know...

I think the top job is up for grabs soon and I can't see Blatter getting voted back into the top job

There is an article on the BBC website about the subject of Blatter this morning.
It looks like UEFA are not supporting his bid for re-election

(03 Jun 2014, 6:13 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote There is an article on the BBC website about the subject of Blatter this morning.
It looks like UEFA are not supporting his bid for re-election

After FIFA, UEFA is the most powerful authority in the game, without UEFA backing it may mean Michel Platini could run for the top job, he has been seen as Blatters heir apparent in recent years

(03 Jun 2014, 7:09 am)marxistafozzski wrote After FIFA, UEFA is the most powerful authority in the game, without UEFA backing it may mean Michel Platini could run for the top job, he has been seen as Blatters heir apparent in recent years

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27671654

There is the article.
It appears they seem be to downplaying Platini getting the role.

Re the Qatari bid - the person hired to investigate the allegations of bribery and corruption, is a New York lawyer - hired by Blatter himself apparently.
Read into that what you will.

It is almost coincidental, that the self appointed football dictator, trying to stay on in his post, personally hires a guy, who with the right information - could bring down both Blatter and Fifa.
I do wonder if all the information which is scheduled to be put before the Fifa committee, has to go through Blatter initially?
Once cleared by Blatter, will it then prove once and for all what happened with the Qatari bid?

The guys who get these presidency roles in football are in a cushy number mind.
Free travel across the globe. Being paid a handsome salary to watch football games. A life of luxury. Expenses paid meals in some of the worlds swankiest cities, resorts, restaurants and hotels...
No wonder Blatter wants to stay in the position.
It was the same with the old Uefa President (Johannson?) and Blatter's predecessor (Brazilian fella, cant remember his name).

(03 Jun 2014, 8:08 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27671654

There is the article.
It appears they seem be to downplaying Platini getting the role.

Re the Qatari bid - the person hired to investigate the allegations of bribery and corruption, is a New York lawyer - hired by Blatter himself apparently.
Read into that what you will.

It is almost coincidental, that the self appointed football dictator, trying to stay on in his post, personally hires a guy, who with the right information - could bring down both Blatter and Fifa.
I do wonder if all the information which is scheduled to be put before the Fifa committee, has to go through Blatter initially?
Once cleared by Blatter, will it then prove once and for all what happened with the Qatari bid?

The guys who get these presidency roles in football are in a cushy number mind.
Free travel across the globe. Being paid a handsome salary to watch football games. A life of luxury. Expenses paid meals in some of the worlds swankiest cities, resorts, restaurants and hotels...
No wonder Blatter wants to stay in the position.
It was the same with the old Uefa President (Johannson?) and Blatter's predecessor (Brazilian fella, cant remember his name).

Joao Havelange or as I could not say his name properly he became Joes Hairy Flange [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]

Will have a read of that link about UEFA later on

But your right about the perks of the job. I don't know how to reform football, but a Blatter appointed governance unit is not the answer as he is having a hand in supposedly governs him.

I think what we need is an independent body to oversee FIFA and all of these positions who seemingly govern themselves, some kind of ombudsman, maybe a body like C.A.S (Court of Arbitration for Sport). Most Governments answer to someone, so why shouldn't the likes of FIFA.

FIFA to me has come across the same way an authoritarian one party state works, you could have 10 names on a ballot sheet but we all know who is going to win(supposedly) the election...

#fozzanddandreosforfifaprez

I will leave it at that, I am probably talking shite now

https://vine.co/v/MHYPMEAHPQu

17 years to the day apparently (well according to the fb status I have just nicked this off)

(03 Jun 2014, 1:20 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote https://vine.co/v/MHYPMEAHPQu

17 years to the day apparently (well according to the fb status I have just nicked this off)

How the hell he managed to put that in, to this day I do not, it was going out till it swerved 6 yards into the net...best free kick ever taken

(03 Jun 2014, 1:52 pm)marxistafozzski wrote How the hell he managed to put that in, to this day I do not, it was going out till it swerved 6 yards into the net...best free kick ever taken

The youtube clip shows the ball boy ducking out of the way!

Now we are onto good goals...Thought I would share some of my favourite goals

Take a look at this guy

Jose Luis Chilavert, the thing is, Chilavert was a keeper and was a set piece specialist scoring quite a few 46 in 617(1 in every 13.4 games and 8 in 74 at International Level(1 every 9.2 games)

David Beckham scores probably the most memorable goal in football history, 93rd minute, 2-1 down needing a draw to qualify, Hollywood could not script it better if they tried

Gazzas goal against Scotland