FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell off a chunk of the World Cup to raise billions has been met with suspicion and criticism from Hotline callers. The proposals, which remain controversial, have drawn strong reactions from fans.
FIFA plans under fire
Cooper Steven from Kent said: “The announcement from FIFA on plans to sell a stake in the organisation should serve as a wake up call to all football clubs. Coming off the back of the worst World Cup for fans ever, it’s time that the clubs and individual football associations look at the NFL and get themselves organised to run the various tournaments themselves before we end up with total year round football. That would not be good for the clubs or the fans.”
Gary Stevenson from Newtonhill raged: “It's time for UEFA to vote down Infantino's plans to bring in the Trump-loving corporations. He made himself an absolute clown presenting Donald Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize and followed that up by backing Trump's complaint against a USA red card. Voting Infantino OUT should be the only proposal backed by UEFA.”
Iain Kilgallon from Dunoon added: “If anyone thinks it's a coincidence this crooked idea has surfaced after Infantino has spent the last month being wined and dined, then their heads must zip up the back. The 'you must agree by X date' reminds me of the ploys pulled by Neil Doncaster and we all know the absolute mess he has made of our much abused and maligned game. The nations of the world should unite and boycott all FIFA tournaments until Infantino and his rotten committee are thrown out.”
McGregor's future at Celtic
Turning to domestic matters, Callum McGregor's vow to remain at Celtic so long as the club continue to push and want to be successful has drawn mixed reactions from the Parkhead faithful.
Gerard Milligan from Renfrewshire said: “I feel a bit peeved that Callum McGregor's 'I want the club to match my ambitions' quote is resurfacing. The club owe him nothing. Just who does he think he is? I’ve never been a fan. One good game in seven is not enough. He’s been kept in the team more than he should be because he's captain. That should never be the case.”
David Beattie from Rothesay had an entirely different view: “I’m so glad Callum has put to bed all the speculation about him being on his way out of the club. I never doubted for a minute all the nonsense that he would leave. Callum is a serial winner and has years ahead of him encouraging, cajoling and inspiring all around him the way he has done for years now.”
Kenny Goff said: “Callum McGregor won’t leave Celtic as he knows he gets things too easy here in Scotland. He will never leave and risk it being found out that he's not that good.”
Rangers' season opener
Meanwhile, Derek McInnes’ new-look Rangers will kick off the Premiership season when they travel to Tannadice on Friday night.
Robert Livingstone from Palm Beach said: “Rangers need to make a statement of intent right from the very first game that they're ready for this gruelling title challenge, with a convincing victory at Dundee United, nothing less. New captain Lawrence Shankland has to marshal his troops to put in a winning performance, which won't be easy at Tannadice.”
