We’re all a bit desensitised to it now, aren’t we?
Another day, another Fifa announcement that stretches the credibility of football’s governing body to the point where their authority now feels gossamer thin. Perhaps that is their new strategy – death by a thousand cuts. But instead of yawning at it we should continue yelling about how grotesque it’s all become.
Earlier this week it emerged that they would be charging selected fans £60 to be part of the World Cup final’s pre-match press conference. As veteran of hundreds of similar briefings that is some ruse given that pre-match managerial mutterings are almost reassuringly mundane.
Even that liberty can’t top their latest, breathless bulletin. Hot off the Fifa press comes news that 30 “winners rings” will be presented to the victorious team after Sunday’s final in a fairly transparent attempt to copy the Superbowl’s homework.
Sounds harmless enough, right? Perhaps if you’re feeling generous you might say that co-opting an American sporting tradition to mark a mostly successful tournament was even a nice touch.
