|
Anywhere there is money to be made there is the possibility of corruption. I have no doubt that games are sometimes thrown, and especially with spot betting (betting on the first throw in, first yellow card, whatever) it is a lot easier practially and morally (Matt Le Tissier admits in his autobiography betting on the first throw in and then desperately chasing the ball around after the kick off to try and boot it out of play)
People who arent prepared for moral reasons to throw a match might well be happy to get themselves a yellow card by time wasting or kick the ball out of play on purpose (or like the allegations against Pakistani cricketers, deliberately bowl some wides)
But I think you do have to be careful that while you admit the possibilities, you do not become cynical about everything. We all know of group games in world cups were the result that both sides need to get to the next stage happens,,, and yes it is cheating. But I dont think this means the whole world cup is flawed. Ultimately, most international footballers who are playing for competitive teams are pretty wealthy these days, and I think a world cup win means more to most of them than any amount of money could. Ref's are more vulnerable in that way though...
__________________
"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."
The Gospel of Thomas
|