Quote of the Day

“It cannot be that the European and South American confederations lay claim to the majority of berths at the World Cup (18 or 19 teams), because taken together they account for significantly fewer member associations (63) than Africa and Asia (100). Africa, the confederation with the most member associations (54), is woefully under-represented at the World Cup. As long as this remains the case, African sides may never win an intercontinental trophy regardless of progress on the playing side. This flawed state of affairs must be rectified. At the end of the day an equal chance for all is the paramount imperative of elite sport.”

Reading between the lines: FIFA president Sepp Blatter appears to be kicking off his re-election campaign with an appeal to the numerous votes of Africa and Asia. If recent history is anything to go by, expect Michel Platini to respond by offering to double the number of World Cup final places to 64.