What better way to foster peace in the Middle East than to stage the 2018 World Cup jointly in Palestine and Israel? Now if this isn't enough incentive for the parties to the conflict to bring peace to the region, I don't know what is.
You'll never guess who the (co-)author of the proposal is...
Ah ! I'm not surprised that guy is the co-sponsor. He's been heavily involved in all sort of political, social movements.
As far as the proposal itself.. errr.. It would only be possible if Israel (re)-joined the Asian Conferederation.
And even if they do and the World Cup is a success, would it have that big of an impact ? Are Japan and Korea on better terms after 2002 than before ?
Posted by: Random African | February 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
How would they decide the venues for the opening and the final games?
Who would pay for all the infrastructure that Palestine needs?
What about security concerns?
Not a good idea, in my opinion. Trying to solve this conflict with a World Cup sounds like prescribing aspirins for cancer.
Posted by: Argie | February 21, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Deciding for venues is not the biggest challenge. I mean if Japan and Korea or the Netherlands and Belgium managed to agree, why wouldn't 2 states who claim the same capital ?
Posted by: Random African | February 21, 2008 at 08:24 AM
We're not talking about Japan & Korea or the Netherlands & Belgium... this is Israel & Palestine, a whole different thing.
I know it's not the biggest challenge but my guess is both sides couldn't even agree on that...
Posted by: Argie | February 21, 2008 at 09:12 AM
my Paki friend says:
"that's never going to happen. israel palestine world cup? forget about it. australia cricket team is crying right now about touring pakistan, you think they would tour israel palestine? also, none of the muslim countries recognize israel as a state, so how would they go to a world cup hosted by them? it's a good idea in theory, but i don't think it's realistic. more likely that nepal would host a world cup before israel-palestine!"
Posted by: Chandan | February 21, 2008 at 10:38 AM
I love the idea, no matter how far-fetched. And I share in the amazement that one of the finest defenders on the planet (well, he was a few years ago, but he has lost more than few steps) is a co-author. Viva Barca.
Posted by: Jeff | February 26, 2008 at 01:47 AM
It seems like a bad idea to me. Who would take charge of security? And how many fans would be brave enough to venture there?
Posted by: alan | August 05, 2008 at 03:34 AM
Nice, thanks for the read.
Posted by: OurPlaybook | October 02, 2008 at 02:09 AM