Putin didn't show up because the deal was done.

I hope they are monitoring the bank accounts of the delegates. Neither of these decisions helps FIFA move forward. Qatar in July? what's 120 degrees among friends? England should have had 2018 and the USA or at least Australia in 2022. At least an organized boycott won't be necessary, travel to Russia and the middle east is so painful it will limit itself.

LOL Putin makes deals? Nah, I could never imagine that... They would have only given it to one English speaking country I thought, but they didn't even give it to one. Oh well, 2026 Go USA!

Sooooo, not to sound cynical, but I gather FIFA will gain enough TV revenue from WCups 2018 and 2022 that it doesn't need in-person fandom or anything related thereto. And, as for Qatar, maybe glassed-in, grassed-in stadia will work.

"At least an organized boycott won't be necessary, travel to Russia and the middle east is so painful it will limit itself." § I wish that were true, but plenty of well-heeled fans will show up to be seen in the stands of the air-conditioned collapsible stadia that Qatar is going to build, they say, and the Russians and east-Europeans, who are accustomed to difficult travel, will fill the seats left empty by the hordes of Asian, South American, North African and Middle-Eastern travellers. No, FIFA will have no trouble filling the stadia for either cup, and I'm sure both hosts have guaranteed enough in revenue to satisfy both the organization and its board. Let's face it: the World Cup is big enough that even the amount of corruption already evidenced won't affect the events themselves.

Why was Oil Oligarch Abromovich (FC Chelski owner) present in Zurich at the FIFA Messe yesterday? Just why exactly? And England got no votes? I saw England all decked out in full colors and flourishes in June 2002 for the World Cup 2002. In person, just walking the streets of towns big and small. Special ads everywhere. Fabulous extra-created postage stamps for WC2002. Deals for lunch in restaurants with the telly so close by. Streamers from one building to the next. And where was the World Cup 2002 hosted at that time? Thousands of miles away in Japan and Korea. I have never seen -- each World Cup -- any country get so psyched up and enthused about this world sporting event. Flags, banners are out -- and not just English ones. You see plenty of Three Lions but you also see the colors of nearly all other participants proudly displayed. No other country gets this "up" for it -- every time. And they got no votes yesterday in Zurich. And did such a great job with Euro 1996 (after the Sweden 1992 flop) and the WC1966. Thanks, FIFA. You have no idea what it is to be a fan and supporter of this game at the playing, coaching, youth skills, and reffing levels.