|
To answer a question like this, I reckon you have to break it down into three components - is it possible, is it feasible and is there motivation?
Motivation is easy - profit. So we'll get that out of the way first.
Is it possible? I reckon so. It'd take a lot of grease to get those wheels spinning, but when you're dealing with the untold millions that change hands every time the world cup rolls around, a lot of grease is doable.
Is it feasible, though? And I figure here's where the whole thing falls down. If you want to rig the matches convincingly, everyone involved has to be in on it. Refs, coaches, officials, players, support staff, etc etc etc. That's a lot of conspirators and it seems inevitable that with that many variables, the whole thing is going to collapse sooner or later. Imagine you're a third rate player on a third rate team. They offer you x amount to keep quiet. You take it, then turn around and blow the whistle. Suddenly, every media organization in the world is offering you a great big whopping pile of cash for your story and you're set. Those who set up the conspiracy can't do anything about it because suddenly you've got them for fraud - they'll be too busy to do anything to you. You've got your proof in the form of the payoff - large amounts of money won't change hands without leaving a trail.
So yeah, I reckon it could be rigged, but I'm highly skeptical of the idea that it is.
__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
|