It sounds similar to the idea that betting odds on elections are more reliable than opinion polls.The thinking is that people will give a more honest opinion when there is money riding on it. It would be interesting to see what the data analytics guys would make of it. I’m assuming that they run these kind of simulations when advising Klopp and co on tactics.
Well that isn’t strictly true. FIFA awarded the competition to Argentina in 1966 when Arturo Illia was president. He was removed shortly afterwards but the infamous military junta didn’t take power until 1976 when they deposed Isabel Perón.
Whether they should have moved the World Cup is quite another matter. They have moved them at short notice before. The 1986 finals were originally meant to be in Columbia but they had to back out when FIFA changed the format on them.
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edit… the comments 
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Is it only the captains that can wear the armband? What if say Maguire or Sterling wanted to wear it also?
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Just because Qatar have been able to buy corrupt FIFA offcials, it doesn’t mean they have bought the right to be free of criticism and shutting everybody else’s opinions up. Not in foreign media nor in a forum like this. Sure, they can sort of do in what they want in their own country and the visiting fans will have to live with it, it’s one of the reasons why many didn’t want to come in the first place - still doesn’t mean the visitors have to like it though.
And to say that sports in general or the World Cup in particular isn’t linked to politics is just willfully ignorant of any obvious facts.
Crticising the government and this World Cup doesn’t equate to ‘all Qataris are evil’, nor does it mean that all other governments are great. And does anyone disagree with that FIFA is a pile of shit and that they are responsible for this happening in the first place?
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The Dutch FA just announced that Van Dijk will not wear the OL armband because it will mean a yellow before kickoff.
FIFA will do anything to please their money cow …
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Can’t blame Virg. I’d say Kane and Bale will follow suit tbh. Sad times
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Just wear a OL boxer shorts instead if it’s such a necessity, job sorted.
The World Cup cannot happen without players.
And lets think for a bit…
What if the players refuse to participate if not alliwed to wear the armbands.
More than a symbolic gesture, an actual fighting stance against FIFA and their own associations.
Stand on the centre circle and dont move until a decision is reached.
In ten minutes foitball would be the winner.
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Or just do fuck all.
Wouldn’t think that’ll happen, they’re professionals there to do a job for their respective countries.
Plus no mention of any of the other players bar the captain wearing them…either have the whole squad wearing it or none.
All professionals have a right to withdraw labour
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Fucking moral cowardice
All their protests, strong words softly spoken.
Taking a knee before the game rings very fucking hollow now.
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Not surprised, in fact sums up what I already knew beforehand.
Supposedly caring about what’s happened but not enough to warrant taking a yellow card for it, thus putting the competition over anything else.
These players will go back to living their luxurious lifestyle without an ounce of thought for what they’ve left behind.
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My opinion is that VVD could make Kane and Bale look foolish and gutless here if he decides to wear it no matter what.
Let Kane and Bale chicken out then VVD wears it and cops the automatic yellow and shows the others to be full of hot air and all talk.
Or if Kane does wear it and gets a yellow, then VVD can wear it showing solidarity with Kane.
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FIFA should have said they will issue a Rainbow coloured card…
Virtue signalling when it’s really easy. Rosa Parks would be so proud.
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Ouch, if you’re shown one and it applies to you specifically, don’t go into any high buildings……
Apparently they’re all chickening out. United in spinelessness.
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