3 comments

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  The Gaffer

  1 year ago

  Jeff,
  
  Very interesting article. The FA must be thinking that they can use the Community Shield as a bargaining chip with the USSF. "Allow us to win the bid for World Cup 2018 and you can host the Community Shield in the U.S. for a couple of years."
  
  Hopefully the USSF won't be so stupid to do that.
  
  Cheers,
  The Gaffer
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  AtlantaPompey

  1 year ago

  Ah, international politics...
  
  England goes to T&T to play a game for the sole purpose of lining Jack Warner's pockets. Do you think they want his support for 2018?
  
  Now Gulati announces that we will apply for WC2018, but we'd be open to supporting the 39th game. Bargaining Chip played.
  
  Russia wants the Euros in 2016 or the 2018 WC. In exchange, they've said they would support the 39th game, and support England in their bid for whichever one Russia doesn't want. Russia will be a world power in club football in the next ten years given the amount of money they have and how well their economy is doing. Can you say FairTax?
  
  Given that both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be awarded in March of 2011, the deals will be flying. One of those will be in Europe and one somewhere else. Should be interesting...
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  BishopvilleRed

  1 year ago

  Community shield really doesn't seem like much of a bargaining chip to me. A stodgy preseason friendly with a meaningless trophy Sounds like just about every other preseason tournament, but with fewer clubs involved.
  
  The FA owe a bootload of money for Wembley. I'm surprised to see them float an idea that would take a fixture out of their shiny new building.
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