Germany hosting the World Cup - Again.

World Cup organizers have a chequered history in awarding the privilege of hosting the Finals (e.g. Argentina 1978 – military junta, Italy 1934 – fascist government). Nevertheless, it is appalling that the Finals are to be held in a country where racism still flourishes, such that black supporters attending the event have to be warned to avoid “no-go areas”, specifically identifying Leipzig. Neo-nazis are reportedly preparing demonstrations against the Angolan team.

No doubt we will also be treated to the racist tirades of the President of Iran when he visits Germany, and no action will be taken. The good people of FIFA will claim that they not want to mix politics and sport, even though such racism is contrary to FIFA’s anti-racist campaign. What a truly great global event when racism of all sorts can gather in one location.

It is a disgrace that the ideals of the UEFA’s Unite Against Racism, Kick It Out and Kick Racism Out movements are not implemented by FIFA when selecting a host nation. Stories regarding the hatred are buried in the nether regions of the media, when reported at all. It boggled my mind how Germany won the right to the World Cup finals so soon after holding them previously but I was not surprised that the breach of voting instructions and allegations of bribery were not investigated by FIFA. Germany was certainly not the best bid under any objective evaluation of footballing criteria.

Why are unions not organizing a boycott of German products in the light of the above?