November 1, 2022
The brief from today:
Tunisia flirting with World Cup expulsion
It was only yesterday that Ukraine announced their plan to appeal to FIFA to expel Iran from the World Cup due to accusations that the latter assisted Russia in the war against them. The mentioning of Iran’s human rights record by Ukraine was an additional argument made by the European nation in an effort to take the place of the Iranians in Qatar. These two allegations are political issues completely isolated from football, and as a result limits FIFA’s ability, or interest, in taking action. Tunisia, on the other hand, are flirting with disaster with the World Cup less than three weeks away. The violation FIFA doesn’t stand for is when political entities interfere with the running of local football federations and associations. Recently, Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, mentioned dissolving various parts of the country’s federal bureaux, which happens to include the football federation. In response to this political interference, FIFA issued a stern warning and threatened Tunisia’s expulsion from the World Cup if political interference occurred. The world football governing body has requested an explanation seeking clarity regarding the statements made by Deguiche, and if there isn’t cooperation from the North African nation, then they risk losing their place in Qatar. If they did in fact suspend Tunisia from FIFA sanctioned tournaments, it wouldn’t be the first incident handled that way by FIFA. This year alone India, Kenya, and Zimbabwe have all been punished due to their respective governments meddling in football affairs.
Political interference in Tunisia could result in disqualification from the World Cup by FIFA
Inter Miami test the Messi waters
MLS side, Inter Miami, have started to test the waters regarding a transfer for Lionel Messi. The Argentine’s current contract with PSG ends next summer—although the Parisians have an option to extend for one more year—and his next move is still a mystery. Despite the club wanting him to stay, especially after the improved form he has displayed this season, unlike the mediocre performances when he first joined last year, Messi could be interested in moving on. He hasn’t given any clear indications that he is seeking a transfer, but that hasn’t stopped David Beckham owned, Inter Miami, from reaching out to Messi’s entourage. With Miami known to be one of his favored holiday destinations, and also markedly closer to Argentina than Europe, their belief is that they hold some favorable cards that may interest the Argentina international. In recent years the Florida based side has managed to lure the likes of Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain to join their ranks, and even though this endeavor is much more complex, they are at least making an effort as his contract winds down.
Inter Miami are attempting to turn Messi’s head away from PSG next summer