Re: World Soccer XV: Diver Down
They could have a play-in game, like the NCAA, for agrieved teams.
Leave the 32nd spot open for the play-in between the two teams that got screwed or the 1 team that got screwed vs. the highest FIFA ranked team not in the first 31. Let them play for the last spot.
FIFA can say they don't want to institute replays and they can lie and say the refs haven't made any serious gaffes but this is 1x in 4 years and for some players and countries, this may be the only chance they get.
With the WC now even larger due to cable/satellite, increased viewership in countries that weren't big players in the past (US, Australia etc.) and the spectre of past corruption in the sport there is reason to investigate methods to ensure the teams playing are deserving.
Most of us hated wild-cards and increased divisions and conferences in domestic sports but it does increase interest, make money and eventually win most people over.
I'd have no problem with a 2 week play in tournament for a few countries to battle for a few remaining seeds. I suspect Ireland would have put every ounce of blood, sweat and tears into something like that and would have done themselves proud.
FIFA should have just ordered the France-Ireland game to go to PKs in an empty stadium
They could have a play-in game, like the NCAA, for agrieved teams.
Leave the 32nd spot open for the play-in between the two teams that got screwed or the 1 team that got screwed vs. the highest FIFA ranked team not in the first 31. Let them play for the last spot.
FIFA can say they don't want to institute replays and they can lie and say the refs haven't made any serious gaffes but this is 1x in 4 years and for some players and countries, this may be the only chance they get.
With the WC now even larger due to cable/satellite, increased viewership in countries that weren't big players in the past (US, Australia etc.) and the spectre of past corruption in the sport there is reason to investigate methods to ensure the teams playing are deserving.
Most of us hated wild-cards and increased divisions and conferences in domestic sports but it does increase interest, make money and eventually win most people over.
I'd have no problem with a 2 week play in tournament for a few countries to battle for a few remaining seeds. I suspect Ireland would have put every ounce of blood, sweat and tears into something like that and would have done themselves proud.
