2018 World Cup - A Matter of Economics

[jone]

With the recent fallout of the FIFA scandal, FIFA is having trouble signing sponsors for the 2018 World Cup.  They finally signed one regional sponsor:  Russia's Alfa Bank. 

It should tell FIFA that sponsors do not consider Russia to be a desirable venue and that monetary participation by outside commercial interests are less than forthcoming.

With the disclosure of state sponsored doping by the Russians, one has to believe that any venue in Russia is now tainted and that teams will not believe that they are playing on 'an even field' so to speak. 

If FIFA wants to obtain any credibility prior to 2018, it should do the right thing and move the venue for the tournament to another country.

[AkMike]

The St. Pete stadium isn't going to be ready for it. They've stopped work after it's only partially completed. Lack of funds is the given reason.

 Gee that sounds like an echo of the Kerch Bridge.

[Anotherkiwi]

The St. Pete stadium isn't going to be ready for it. They've stopped work after it's only partially completed. Lack of funds is the given reason.

 Gee that sounds like an echo of the Kerch Bridge.

Are they building a new one?  I would have thought that the existing stadium, with a few upgrades, would have been perfectly adequate.

[AkMike]

It appears that the city of St. Pete stopped the contract.


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-07/16/c_135517520.htm

[msmobyone]

With the recent fallout of the FIFA scandal, FIFA is having trouble signing sponsors for the 2018 World Cup.  They finally signed one regional sponsor:  Russia's Alfa Bank. 

It should tell FIFA that sponsors do not consider Russia to be a desirable venue and that monetary participation by outside commercial interests are less than forthcoming.

With the disclosure of state sponsored doping by the Russians, one has to believe that any venue in Russia is now tainted and that teams will not believe that they are playing on 'an even field' so to speak. 

If FIFA wants to obtain any credibility prior to 2018, it should do the right thing and move the venue for the tournament to another country.

Jone,

I believe that the combination of the FIFA scandal and the venue - possibly involving bribery - is indeed an issue - but I'm certain there'll be sponsors and that the event will happen.

I'm hoping for some good games in Sochi ..

[justme100]

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[LiveFromUkraine]

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You're teasing us now. 

[BillyB]

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Welcome back justme100! Although people had a big disagreement with you over the issue of Crimea, I sincerely hope you're doing well and life is good.