By RYAN TOLMICH
Despite last week’s statement from FIFA regarding corruption at the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, a former English FA chairman is joining the rallying cry for FIFA reform.
David Bernstein, who left the role as chairman last year, has called for nations to boycott the upcoming World Cups due to the “totalitarian” organization’s choice of 2022 hosts Qatar, which Bernstein ruled was “one of the most ludicrous decisions in the history of sport”.
“England on its own cannot influence this – one country can’t do it,” Bernstein said. “If we tried to do something like that we’d be laughed at. I think England within UEFA undoubtedly have the power to influence FIFA, but to do so they would have to consider withdrawing from the World Cup, the next World Cup, unless proper reform – including [the FIFA president Sepp] Blatter not standing [for a fifth term] – is carried out at FIFA.
“If I was at the FA now, I would do everything I could to encourage other nations within UEFA – and there are some who would definitely be on side, others maybe not – to take this line. At some stage you have to walk the talk, stop talking and do something.”
Bernstein also pointed out that the World Cup would become virtually irrelevant if the powers within UEFA stood together to boycott.
“It sounds drastic but frankly this has gone on for years now, it’s not improving, it’s going from bad to worse to worse,” he added. “There are 54 countries within UEFA. There’s Germany, Spain, Italy, France and Holland – all powerful. You can’t hold a serious World Cup without them. They have the power to influence if they have the will.”
Here are some more of Monday morning’s news and notes:
DE ROSSI CRITICIZES STADIUM SECURITY FOLLOWING FIREWORK TROUBLE
Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifying clash with Croatia was halted twice due to fan behavior, sparking criticism from Italian star Danielle De Rossi.
The midfielder questioned the stadium’s security, who reportedly chose to forego typical search procedures in an effort to marshall fans into the stadium ahead of kickoff. As a result, Croatian fans caused the halting of the game on two separate occasions due to the use of flares.
“It certainly wasn’t pretty,” De Rossi said following the game. “It was a fair game on the field and the only time play was stopped was because of them. Unfortunately, it seems you can bring anything into stadiums nowadays and I really don’t know why.”
UEFA are set to look into the incident and assess possible punishments upon receiving the referee’s report.
EVERTON’S MARTINEZ SAYS BARKLEY CAN BE ENGLAND’S BEST EVER
In a country with a history littered with some of the game’s most recognizable stars, England’s Ross Barkley has received the backing of his club manager to become the nation’s best ever player.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez said Sunday that he believes that the 20-year-old Barkley will emerge as an England legend.
“There is no doubt in my mind he will be the best player England has ever had,” Martinez said. “Ross has everything. Normally a player has the pace and power to get around the pitch, or they have the vision to pick a pass. Ross can do both of those things. He is two footed, he’s intelligent and he is also in love with the game.”
Barkley and England are set to take on Scotland Tuesday.
QUICK KICKS
Manchester United’s Daley Blind suffered a suspected knee ligament injury in the Netherlands’ 6-0 win over Latvia. (REPORT)
Egypt, Algeria, Gabon and Ghana have been chosen as possible hosts for the 2017 African Cup of Nations. (REPORT)
Turkish club Genclerbirligi has instituted a fine system for players with facial hair. (REPORT)
With David De Gea injured, Manchester United will not be able to sign free agent goalkeeper Victor Valdes ahead of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal. (REPORT)
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What do you think of a potential boycott? How should stadiums handle security for high-profile matches? What do you expect from Barkley in the coming seasons?
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