FAI CHIEF EXECUTIVE John Delaney has admitted he harbours some concerns that taking the 2022 World Cup from Qatar could “bankrupt” Fifa.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of Aer Lingus College Football Classic on Thursday, Delaney said those calling for a change of venue in seven years need to be aware of the consequences of such a move.
“It does concern me in a way.”
“What would our legal advice be at Fifa for moving the World Cup. In other words, would Qatar have a strong legal case against Fifa?
“They’ve obviously spent billions already but could they take a case against Fifa and, in that case, would Fifa be in a position whereby it would be bankrupt?
“So, when you open the door of changing a World Cup venue, you’ve got to be aware of the ramifications. A lot of people are saying there should be a re-vote and that’s fine to say but I’d like to know the implications before we even look at that.”
Delaney was also asked if he felt Sepp Blatter should step aside immediately rather than hold on until a new president of Fifa is appointed and it is something he strongly agreed with.
“In Sepp Blatter’s case, he’s now an emperor without clothes.
“I think he should step down now. I think someone who’s not going to run for president of Fifa should take the chair and in that intervening period let the election commence for a change of culture and a change of governance within Fifa.
“It should happen quickly. I know there’s no official meeting around the Champions League final this weekend but I’ll be talking to people and I’ll see what Fifa is directing itself towards.
“Clearly things are changing day-by-day with Chuck Blazer yesterday and Jack Warner today and it’s a movie that keeps running and running.
“The sad thing is, it’s a movie about the game that I love and it doesn’t do any of us any good to be reading about the revelations to date.”
Delaney believes there is even more to come, however:
“I think when a US Attorney General gets involved, well she didn’t speak about Fifa in a way that you’d want Fifa to be spoken about and she didn’t speak about Fifa in a way that this was just a small dimension of the organisation.
“She spoke about it being at the very top and all through the organisation. So I think there’s a lot of dark days ahead and during those dark days we need a beacon of light.
“We need a change of president and a change of culture.”
Longfords to lose without a doubt
I was wondering why they weren’t on the list…..
In all fairness are you that stuck for articles that you’ve to put up this poll.
Maybe if Australia and Azerbaijan could enter the dubs might be challenged.
The only things less anticipated are the Ulster and Connacht Hurling Chanpionships
Is this a joke
Yes, enjoy it.
This must be the most ridiculous poll ever! Why not set one up for the colour of the sky!
The colour comes from sunlight that has been scattered by the air. There’s also red sunlight but not in a high enough concentration to do anything to effect the colour.
I thought it was to do with light passing through nitrogen.
cant wait for RTE’s live coverage of Dublins Leinster Quarter Final, should be worth the license fee.
MON LOUTH!!
Silly poll
Everyone knows the DUBS are the masters
~32% of the country are delusional, and I’m a non-Dublin Leinster man.
I wouldn’t say delusional , I clicked on laois for the craic !
Slow news day, lads??
The fact that bookmakers are only taking bets for ‘Leinster without Dublin’ says it all.
Highly Anticipated my arse .
I am surprised it is only 69%
You can treat 30% as ‘spoiled votes’ made up Dubs voting for other counties for a laugh and a hardcore who will only vote for their county.
That would leave about 1% who actually believe another county will win so the poll should be showing about 99% for Dublin
Meath for Leinster, Meath for Sam. Hon d’Kaypak.
You must be bloody joking Stephen, Lord lamb a jaysus this is a crazy statement to make?? Hoh? Are ya mad??
Sure jaysus Meath are diobolical at the minute, hoh? Ya feckin lug ya
Pointless pole.
Dublin is 68% it shows people just vote for their counties
Stupid question