The FIFA world cup is almost over. With all the excitement the first world cup in africa has raised, there is no doubt this is one event that will be talked about for years to come. from the noise of the vuvuzelas in the stands to the unawarded goals on the field, from the intrution in the dressing room of the english team to the stealing of replicas of the world cup trophies, its something new everyday for the past 28days. teams have been sent home as well as controversial referees that have brought the game to disrepute. now the talk is that of introducing video technology or extra referees to enhance the game. but away from the pitch, some teams have gone home to face the anger of their country men and women over their ouster from the event that comes up every four years. the president of france is in a rage over his countries lackluster performance at the mundial and so is Nigeria. while the former is still taking note and treding with caution, the nigerian government went ahead to place a ban on the national team from participating in any football tournament for 2 years.
of course this didnt go down well with FIFA. They not only condemned the action but gave the Nigerian government an ultimatum to reverse the decision and allow the football authoritirs in that country a free hand in the handling of the issues relating to football. A few days after, the Nigerian government bowed to FIFA and reversed the ban. The Nigerian government were made to eat the humble pie and hands off football matters, even though they pay the bills for the football federation in that country.
My question is, does the government of a nation have no say in an event that its citizens go out to represent the country in? Is FIFA saying it doesnt matter how your country performs in a mundial of this nature, all we care about is your country's representation and nothing else? In africa and its corrupt officials, should the president of a country just sit down and watch some cabal run its resources (both human and capital) to the ground simply because the laws f FIFA states that the government has no say in the matters pertaining football ina country?
If this were to apply to other sports e.g basketball, cricket, track events etc where the government funds such sports, what will be the result at the end of the day?
please share your opinion