My first World Cup was in 1994. I was in college and my roommate was the school team’s goalie. He had just taught me the rules in exchange for me teaching about the lunacy that was professional bullriding. I imagine my fandom has lasted longer than his. The USA hosted that year and even though the country was still very confounded by the sport, it was a very exciting time. We had colorful players and our professional league was starting the next year. I became a bit obsessed. Later I had FIFA 98 on the PS1 and got Blur and the Crystal Method on the soundtrack. For the France World Cup in 1998 I was an absolute psycho when I went on vacation that summer and the house we were staying at didn’t have cable. (It DID have a satellite dish as was promised before said vacation. It was in an upstairs closet attached to…nothing.) I do not like watching my sports with people so going to a bar was…distasteful. So instead of being an adult I just made it everyone’s problem because I was…again…an absolute psycho. (I still shudder thinking about my brain then. Apologies still, everybody!) ANYWAYS…I learned to love the beautiful game.
Now, over three decades later I have sadly lost that enthusiasm. A lot of it has to do with the FIFA organization itself and it’s massively corrupt system. Comedian John Oliver, like me, loves the sport but hates the organization. Here is one of many segments he’s done about FIFA and it’s blatant disregard for the rules and some laws. (Click here.)
But this year is different. There was always a feeling of “well obviously the system is corrupt but I want to support the players and teams and countries.” A feeling of love of the sport. But I don’t have it this year. It has been replaced with fear and shame of what my country is doing to everyone. Body cavity searches on players, denying already approved visas, just general dickery. No one even seems ready! Atlanta is supposed to be a gemstone highlight of the games with Mercedes Benz stadium. The airport, transit system, even the freaking highways are just not done. Construction everywhere but nothing is getting done. I am embarrassed by what is happening. I knew the second that orange turd was “re-elected” that FIFA should have pulled the plug on our involvement.
They didn’t. They leaned into the corruption and tried to placate him with a “peace prize”. Mango-llini didn’t stop being awful to players and fans so maybe FIFA just wanted to be able to gouge ticket prices without fear of the DOJ interfering. If that’s true…mission accomplished! The only way I see them getting involved is showing up with their feckless hands out. They probably are.
Everyone who IS coming to the tournament, be careful. Something has to (and will eventually) change here. I hope it gets better. And soon.
-The Paintmonkey