Well, the kick-off of the Euro 2016 football championships tomorrow at 7am, prompts thoughts again of justice and football. I may be watching parts of the Euro - FIFA does seem to be on its way to reform. But thought I would resurrect these blogs during the Euro for some erratic and unpredictable play - ie, I don't know when I may post a blog.
But thought I'd do a promo for that great FIFA alternative - the "Confederation of Independent Football Associations" (ConIFA), for national teams not under the auspices of FIFA –
representing nations, minorities, isolated dependencies or cultural
regions. "Our main goal is to give football outsiders overseen by FIFA or
left behind by their mother country Football Association the chance to win their place
on a global stage and advance footballwise and personally," says Sascha Düerkop, General Secretary.
ConIFA just completed their World Cup - and the final match report is glowing:
ConIFA just completed their World Cup - and the final match report is glowing:
Abkhazia is tonight celebrating after a remarkable come from behind victory over Panjab saw them secure the 2016 World Football Cup. The hosts twice looked out of the game – firstly when they were trailing 1-0 in the 86th minute, and again when they were two penalties down in the shoot-out. But a stranger-than-fiction turn of events saw Abkhazia equalise to send the game to spot-kicks, and then complete a penalty great escape to triumph in Sukhum (capital of Abkhazia).Watch highlights here. Ok, so the crowds are muted - but at least they can stream onto the pitch at the final whistle!
Notes:
Abkhazia is a partially recognised state on the edge of the Black Sea that emerged from the break-up of the Soviet Union.
The Panjab Football Association, though formed in Britain, aims to represents the Punjabi diaspora, who originate from the Punjab region of eastern Pakistan and northern India.
