the corporate world cup. . .

[Stevie H]

World Cup is FIFA's event not Germany's, says Blatter

Wed Mar 1, 2006 10:35 AM GMT162

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticl...-53_L01633963:1

 

 

BERLIN, March 1 (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday rejected criticism in Germany of the strict rules governing food and drink in World Cup stadiums, saying the tournament belonged to FIFA not Germany.

 

"I need to be clear about this once and for all: the World Cup does not belong to Germany, this is not a German World Cup. It is a FIFA World Cup in Germany that cost us 1 billion Swiss francs ($758.7 million)," Blatter told top-selling German daily Bild in an interview.

 

The world soccer body has contracted 21 firms to sponsor the month-long tournament, which starts on June 9, and has placed strict limits on the presence of non-sponsors in Germany's 12 World Cup stadiums.

 

U.S. beermaker Anheuser Busch's (BUD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Budweiser will be the only beer sold in the stadiums -- a slap in the face to many Germans who pride themselves on the quality of their own brew.

 

"It was on the basis of these ground rules that Germany was given the World Cup," Blatter said. "They approved them, not only the German Football Association (DFB) but also the government."

 

Blatter also defended a decision by FIFA in January to cancel the World Cup opening gala in Berlin over concerns it would ruin the pitch at the city's Olympic Stadium, a key site for the tournament.

 

"This was the best decision we made. Unfortunately it was much too late," Blatter said.

 

 

and the grauniad 'fiver' take on it.

 

AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS ABOUT THE GLORY...

 

In exactly 100 days time, the Fifa Fifa Fifa Fifa World Cup 2006 will kick off. Yes, you heard us right. It's not the Germany 2006 World Cup. Or even the Fiver's hysterically funny Siemens Der Soccerball Achtung Schnell! Schnell! Schnell! Scorpions Wind Of Change World Cup. Instead, as Sepp Blatter made quite clear today, the tournament belongs to Fifa and its 21 official partners - and absolutely no one else.

 

"I need to be clear about this once and for all: the World Cup does not belong to Germany, this is not a German World Cup," Blatter blustered to top German tabloid Bild (think the S*n, but with armpit hair). "It is a Fifa World Cup in Germany that cost us 1bn Swiss francs! (GBP435m)". Don't expect Sepp to be harangued by bailiffs any time soon, however - according to Fifa's latest financial report, they'll have GBP200m profit in their coffers by December.

 

All of which means that, despite considerable protests in Germany, fans won't be able to guzzle down Bavarian beer nor deep-throat meaty German sausages during games. Instead it'll be Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets all round (McDonalds are an official partner) washed down with Coca Cola or horrible, flat, weak, Beech-wood aged Budweiser.

 

Not that Sepp cares. "It was on the basis of these ground rules that you were given the World Cup," he barfed at his hosts, before sumo-ing the remaining protests into oblivion.

Edited March 2, 2006 by Stevie H

[matty]

Blatter is certifiably mad.

[Stevie H]

he's f***ing bananas isn't he? he reminds me of that barking leader of turkmenistan who just makes up his remit as he goes along. loony old f*****.

[John am Rhein]

Anheuser Bush

 

Coals to f*cking Newcastle!

 

I read recently that German wine sellers are expecting a bonanza of sales because no one's going to be drinking that American sh*te.

[matty]

Wouldn't like to be in Bavaria at the time when someone forces them to drink Budweiserpiss.

 

Beer Hall putsch ahoy!

[Stevie H]

it just seems a bit s*** doesn't it? surely one of the points of holding world cups in different countries is to allow spectators to experience new and different cultures? what's the point of holding it in a country which is home to fantastic food and wonderful beer and then force-feeding everyone the same old generic yank s**** they can buy on any street in the western f***ing world?

[Tosh]

Were there many people buying dog burgers with the KimChee on the side at the last world cup then?

[matty]

it just seems a bit s*** doesn't it? surely one of the points of holding world cups in different countries is to allow spectators to experience new and different cultures? what's the point of holding it in a country which is home to fantastic food and wonderful beer and then force-feeding everyone the same old generic yank s**** they can buy on any street in the western f***ing world?

 

The point of the World Cup is to sell the brand of SOCCER!! And raise millions for Herr Blatter's retirement fund. You so stoopid!

[RP]

They're only talking about beer sold in the stadiums - how many people drink in the ground anyway?

[McBain]

how many people drink in the ground anyway?

 

I would guess this summer, it'll be none

[SteveT]

This whole business has caused a lot of bad feeling here, but it will have its good sides.

A lot of town councils are putting up screens in public places for people to watch the games. Pub and beer garden owners are planning similar activities and there's no way any of Blatter's sponsored shoite

will be on sale any where near these parties.

And this 'll be where people with any sense will be getting their beer and food before and after the matches. Sod the stuff in the stadiums.

[Herbie von Smalls]

while i abhor blatter and his arrogance - if this sponsorship palaver is confined to in and immediately around the stadium and has been agreed to by the DFB in advance, then fair enough he has a commercial point. if he chooses to homogenise the sport and play the corporate whore, all the more reason not to go to any of the matches. still a s**** choice of phrasing about the tournament, mind.

 

i'd rather soak up the atmosphere in front of a big screen in a biergarten with other fans, than be herded like a sheep into a sterile stadium.

[meepins]

it just seems a bit s*** doesn't it? surely one of the points of holding world cups in different countries is to allow spectators to experience new and different cultures? what's the point of holding it in a country which is home to fantastic food and wonderful beer and then force-feeding everyone the same old generic yank s**** they can buy on any street in the western f***ing world?

It just highlights how we are dominated by transnational corporations in our everyday lives.The World Cup is about football and people coming together, but the bottom line is money ...nobody gives a f**k.

[Herbie von Smalls]

It just highlights how we are dominated by transnational corporations in our everyday lives.The World Cup is about football and people coming together, but the bottom line is money ...nobody gives a f**k.

that's why it's never been more important to vote with our feet. as long as people continue to induldge the sponsors and the moneymen, the power's going to remain in their hands.

[growler]

realistically, you are talking 40000 in the ground, of which how many will drink?

 

Be serious here, most people will drink outside the game. I ain't paying 17 Euros for a warm bud in a plastic cup

[RP]

realistically, you are talking 40000 in the ground, of which how many will drink?

 

Be serious here, most people will drink outside the game. I ain't paying 17 Euros for a warm bud in a plastic cup

 

 

You have the price list already??

[Greenoak]

You have the price list already??

 

 

I am spending a week at the world cup campsite and going to a couple of games.

 

The campsite has done a deal with becks so that what i will be getting drunk on.

 

95 days and counting

[Tosh]

If you're camping, you'll need your pink trainees