FIFA World Cup 2022 In January?

There's been a lot of debate on whether or not Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup in January. It's become the hot subject amongst football today and although it would suit, the idea has enraged various Premier League managers. Ian Holloway & Mick McCarthy have blasted the idea, with Holloway labelling it "crazy". Harry Redknapp also said it would be impossible to play the tournament in the summer heat in Qatar.

On Tuesday the Players' Union confirmed they wanted it to be hosted in Winter as well as midday temperatures reaching up to 50C. Lionel Messi played in Qatar for Argentina back in November and there were no major problems there. Sven Goran Eriksonn has also made the point today that he thinks the World Cup should be hosted in Winter as he told of how every other major league worldwide has a Winter break and that proposed break should start after the 3rd round FA Cup ties.

I agree with FIFA's decision to play the tournament in Winter as the temperatures would be considerably lower and it would give the players a nice summer break from football. But with 12 years to go before we find out the final decision, I think there are more important things to be focusing on. It leads to more controversy surrounding Qatar's vote to host the World Cup. They were covered in controversy as news broke of how they sponsored Barcelona in a deal worth €125 million, gaining Pep Guardiola as an ambassador. They have also been reported to have approached Manchester United in an attempt to take over the club worth £1.5 billion.

Building The Suspense To The Ballon D'or 2010

Ballon D'or

The Ballon D'or is set to be announced on the 10th of January 2011 and it's the first time it has been merged with the FIFA Player Of The Year. Messi is the current FIFA Player Of The Year & Ballon D'or Winner.

The shortlist consists of the Barcelona trio of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta & Xavi. They have all been superb this year and Messi has topped the goal scoring charts and broken records, scoring 47 in 59 apps in 09/10 and 19 goals in 17 appearances so far this season, clearly showing why he's been nominated.

 Iniesta isn't exactly a goal scoring midfielder but his flair, creativity and pace are what have got him here today. He became an international hero when he scored the winning goal for Spain in the World Cup. His vision & creativity cause all defenders havoc and he hasn't been shy in front of goal this season, having netted 4 and assisting 3 in Barca's opening 16 games. He doesn't necessarily excel in assisting but his range of passing is flawless and when he combines with Xavi it's football heaven.

Xavi has had another great season at Barca, finishing the 09/10 season with 14 assists, a second best career high. He is the glue that holds the team together and is influential wherever he plays for the club. He does more of the 'behind the scenes' and is rarely noticed amongst onlookers. So far this season Xavi has scored 3 and assisted 3 in 14 games for Barca.

Many people would say that Cristiano Ronaldo was overlooked for the final 3 and I can't disagree. He was on fire for Real during 09/10 season, netting 26 in 28 and was instrumental in their title challenge last season. Some more players who were also overlooked may include Wesley Sneijder, Diego Forlan, who was certainly on the top of his game come the World Cup.

I'd personally want Messi to win but then again this is like the World Cup 2018/2022 hosting saga all over again, as you know the decision will shock you and leave you stunned. As I said I WANT Messi to win but I'll concede there's a chance Iniesta/Xavi might nick it, which I really don't mind.

Leave It To Holloway..

Leave it to Blackpool manager Ian Holloway to light up the Premier League. He adds comedy & unpredictability to press conferences. He delivered yet another charismatic approach and as always, entertained the audience. In this latest installment he targets Fifa & more importantly Sepp Blatter and he’s distraught at the thought of moving the 2022 World Cup into January.

Holloway's creativity in press conferences have paved a way for him becoming one of the most illustrious managers and he hasn’t been shy when it comes to press conferences. In past press conferences he's passed judgement on the 'Wayne Rooney Saga' & he defended his squad selection for the Aston Villa match a while back. When he lost 3-2 to Villa courtesy of a late strike from James Collins, journalists were trying to put the pieces on why Holloway changed his whole team around. He reacted angrily and went on a nasty tirade, which has what he has become renowned for.


Here is Holloway passing comment on the Rooney Saga : :