Ruined

We are all distracted by the World Cup. It offered a respite from the trials and tribulations at Rovers. Yet in a way the tournament reminds us that the modern game is being changed in ways that aren’t healthy. The international stuff reflects some of the worst aspects at club level.

Before looking at this it’s worth acknowledging that there have been some moments of hope. Cape Verde, an unexpected success.  Iran, doing better than many thought possible. And whilst we had to wait, England’s performance against Mexico turned out to be a pulsating, absorbing match, one of those football moments that will live long in the memory.

Yet the competition has been ruined by the politics of Trump and Infantino. We already knew that FIFA ahead become in hock to the great Orange King across the sea. Yet the Balogun decision was sickening, it had nothing to do with football, it was politics and self-interest, wrapped up in ignorance. Trump admits to not even knowing what a ‘red card’ is, but he was still able to claim it was unjustified. It’s not simply a case of being happy that Belgium won, it’s a small consolation but not compensation for how the competition has been corrupted.

For me the World Cup always represented an entertaining respite away from the trials and tribulations of supporting Rovers.  There have been some great tournaments. Mexico 1970, Argentina 1978, Italia 90, USA 94…all amazing. The shine was taken off the competition when it was awarded to Qatar, but it was still worth watching. Now? Leaving aside the 48 team format, it just feels debased. 

Still, in less than a month real football is back. Then we will have our own home grown  problems to focus on. For now, let’s hope the rest of the World Cup is scandal free.