The program for the Kennedy Center in the nation's capital shows a fun dual-language production and an ad-libbed theatrical troupe. Conspicuously absent from the advertised line-up is Friday's global football draw, presumably because it is a exclusively closed-door gathering. Officials appear determined to prevent any uninvited attendees from gaining entry at what promises to be an drawn-out, self-aggrandizing procession where well-paid luminaries will undoubtedly repeat the well-worn cliche that "football brings together the world."
A Celebrity-Filled Hosting Team
A glamorous event is due to be emceed by former model and TV host Heidi Klum together with small-statured US comedian and actor Kevin Hart. Adding to the celebrity roster will be American football icon Eli Manning on red-carpet duty and actor Danny Ramirez as a roving reporter. Collectively, they will oversee a ceremony that will certainly have English football fans who remember yearning for the simpler, pomp-free days of Graham Taylor, Sir Bert Millichip, the old draw system and a trusty velvet bag of wooden, lottery balls.
Set to last nearly three grueling hours, the show will include a lengthy playlist of speechifying, overly sentimental highlight reels, approved gags, famous faces, performances from artists with perhaps no embarrassment or enormous tax bills, and then... at last, the actual World Cup draw.
Icons of Sport on Draw Detail
Among those tasked with carrying out the ceremony? Basketball giant Shaquille O'Neal, ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, NFL quarterback legend Tom Brady and MLB slugger Aaron Judge, all selecting numbered spheres under the watchful eye of ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand. Considering the considerable, untapped reservoir of personality possessed by these veteran sporting legends, barring an armed security team crashing the ceremony, it's hard to envision what could possibly go wrong.
Actually, not much, if the tone-deaf defence of FIFA's well-documented World Cup ticket price-gouging mounted by an obsequious English yes-man is any kind of indicator. Upon being questioned if tickets should be more affordable for non-millionaires, the response was vague. "I think we have to be aware of that and I think FIFA are definitely people that are conscious of that," was the statement. "However, I think we can look at every industry, every sector, we could have that discussion about things," he added. The implication appeared that high prices are justified when contrasted with other luxury items.
The Football Business
With 42 nations already secured a place for next year's tournament and another six due to join, there will be a real feeling of excitement once the opening acts conclude and the actual draw gets under way. While fans across the globe wait with great anticipation to see which three nations their own country will play in the initial phase, the anticipation will be nothing compared to that which precedes the reveal of the winner of FIFA's inaugural award for peace for "individuals who help unite people in peace through unwavering commitment and notable actions." Given that the draw is in the US capital and the World Cup is mostly in the United States, speculation about the winner are ripe, though the clues are there.
"There's no concern at the moment. I was speaking to the chairman today. My connection with him is very strong really. I have a truly transparent and frank relationship. So regarding my position in that sense I have absolutely no worries whatsoever" – comments from a manager with a team on a five-game winless run, providing a textbook remark likely to be revisited should changes occur in the future.
Fan Correspondence
- "Regarding the discussion of a possible club named Kevin... there is an exciting Brazilian winger named Kevin at a Premier League club who cost more than £30m. Perhaps Kevin could be persuaded to purchase a Highland League club and bestow his name on it."
- "Going to football games in the past, when the opponent was 'Keith', the reply was: 'What, on his own?'"
- "My reading ceased after nine words. 'Comprised of'! Of what were you thinking? To comprise means to consist of. So to comprise of means to consist of of. The extra 'of' is as unnecessary as an extra official."
- "Concern is growing ahead of FIFA's Global Tombola: just what memorable tune will a famous group come up with if a certain individual refuses to leave the stage, thereby necessitating an encore?"
