This is a speculative thread based on numerous observations and inspired by a discussion on Dutch television (which was going on prior to the Portugal match) in Villa BVD
We all know that last year a corruption scandal had hit Germany, and this year the Italian Serie A was rocked by it. Among others, Juve’s chief Moggi has been indicted for match manipulation. Not only in the national league, but perhaps also in the UEFA Champion’s League. Belgium also has had it corruption scandal in football.
Since football is so commercialized and the concerns and stakes are much higher than only the game, it won’t come as a surprise if the corruption netwok extends beyond national borders. It also is almost sure to be the case for the Champion’s League, and why then not the World Cup? Especially for the established countries it is a disaster to go out early (for the players, for the federation, financially etc etc).
Just look at a few incidents:
- vs Australia the referee was consistently blowing in favour of Brazil.
- Heinze should have received a straight red against Mexico.
- The last minute penalty for Italy against Australia.
- currently going on: refereeing decision in favor of Brazil (the second goal was off-side: and I’ve seen thousands of occassions that clearly non off-side positions are declared as such). But not only the second goal, Juan should have received a yellow for a challenge that the referee didn’t blow off because of advantage for Ghana: but he should have given it afterwards: compare that to the easy bookings for Ghana.
your thoughts? 