The listings for the John F. Kennedy Center in the nation's capital features a fun dual-language performance and an improvised theatrical company. Notably missing from the advertised events is the upcoming Geopolitics World Cup draw, likely because it is a strictly private gathering. Organizers seem intent on keep out any uninvited guests from showing up at what threatens to be an drawn-out, self-congratulatory procession where well-paid dignitaries will undoubtedly parrot the old platitude that "soccer brings together the world."
An A-List Line-Up
The lavish event is scheduled to be hosted by former model and TV host Heidi Klum and small-statured US standup comedian and actor Kevin Hart. Adding to the celebrity roster will be American football star Eli Manning on red-carpet details and actor Danny Ramirez as a roaming reporter. Collectively, they will oversee a production that will certainly have British football fans who remember longing for the simpler, pomp-free days of former managers, Sir Bert Millichip, the old draw system and a reliable velvet bag of simple, lottery balls.
Slated to last the thick end of three long hours, the show will include a seemingly endless agenda of lengthy speeches, overly sentimental video montages, approved gags, famous faces, musical turns from acts with perhaps little shame or financial motivations, and then... at last, the real World Cup draw.
Sporting Legends on Ceremony Duty
Among those helping to carrying out the ceremony? Basketball giant Shaquille O'Neal, ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky, NFL star Tom Brady and baseball slugger Aaron Judge, all selecting numbered spheres under the supervision of former defender Rio Ferdinand. Given the vast, deep well of charisma exhibited by these veteran sporting legends, short of an armed snatch-squad storming the ceremony, it's difficult to envision what could potentially go wrong.
Actually, very little, if the insensitive defence of FIFA's well-documented World Cup ticket price-gouging offered by an overly deferential English yes-man is any kind of gauge. When asked if tickets should be more affordable for non-millionaires, the response was non-committal. "In my view we have to be conscious of that and I think FIFA are definitely an organization that are conscious of that," was the statement. "But listen, I think we can look at every sector, every area, we could have that conversation about things," it was noted. The implication appeared that premium costs are acceptable when compared with other high-end goods.
The Main Event
With 42 nations already secured a place for next summer's jamboree and six more set to qualify, there will be a real air of excitement once the opening acts conclude and the actual draw gets under way. But as fans worldwide wait with bated breath to see which three nations their own country will face in the initial phase, the anticipation will be nothing compared to that which comes before the reveal of the winner of FIFA's first-ever peace prize for "individuals who help bring together people in peace through unwavering dedication and special deeds." Given that the draw is in Washington and the tournament is mostly in the US, speculation about the winner are ripe, even if the hints are there.
"There's no concern at the moment. I was speaking to the owner today. My relationship with him is very strong really. I have a truly open, honest and realistic relationship. So regarding my position in that sense I have completely no worries whatsoever" – a statement from a coach whose side in the midst of a five-game losing streak, providing a classic remark likely to be revisited should a dismissal occur down the line.
Fan Correspondence
- "Further to the discussion of a possible club named Kevin... there is an talented Brazilian winger named Kevin at Fulham who cost more than £30m. Perhaps Kevin could be persuaded to buy a Highland League club and rename it after himself."
- "Going to local games in the 80s/90s, when the answer was 'Keith', the reply was: 'What, on his own?'"
- "I stopped reading 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 additional referee."
- "Concern is growing ahead of FIFA's World Cup draw: just what memorable tune will a famous group come up with if a certain individual remains on the stage, thereby necessitating an encore?"
