World Cup called off??

Big Nelly

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13511482,00.html

This year's World Cup tournament could be cancelled because of bird flu, the head of world football has warned.

Some 100,000 Brits are expected to head for Germany to see the eagerly-awaited matches.

But if the virus begins to be passed between people, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said the World Cup would have to be shelved.

Germany has confirmed several cases of the H5N1 strain of the virus in birds.


Sepp Blatter And a cat found dead on a German island tested positive for the strain, making it the first infected mammal in the European Union.

The case has sparked fears for the continent's pet and wild animal populations, as well as raising fears the virus could be mutating into a form that may soon be passed easily between humans.

Mr Blatter was asked by German newspaper Bild if bird flu could threaten the tournament.

He said: "At the moment, no, but if bird flu developed into something like the plague or cholera, if it's a case of people infecting people, then the government would have to take a decision.

"We would have to respect that. That is clear."

Would be shocking if this happens but I cant see it! Blatter is a bit of a head case at the best of times and it seems he is trying to get his face on the front of papers again

zAbbo

Contingency planning would be taken by the governments not Fifa, borders would be shut down etc.

A bit excited thats all.

MrJoeSoap

Big Nelly wrote:

Sepp Blatter And a cat found dead on a German island tested positive for the strain, making it the first infected mammal in the European Union.

Hehe

Big Nelly

MrJoeSoap wrote:

Hehe

Just seen that, was talking to mate about it and didnt really read the article, think a few of the Sky boys/girls where on the lash for the footie last nite!

wheres me jumpa

Obviously I hope it doesnt happen but it is a possibility. Bird Flu is creeping its way around the planet without any drastic action being taken to prevent it so far. Its only a matter of time before one government takes action to prevent it rather than react to it.

Bluetonic

A story that would be fit for the Evening Herald to be honest.

dbnavan

Big Nelly wrote:

He said: "At the moment, no, but if bird flu developed into something like the plague or cholera, if it's a case of people infecting people, then the government would have to take a decision.

"We would have to respect that. That is clear."

Would be shocking if this happens but I cant see it! Blatter is a bit of a head case at the best of times and it seems he is trying to get his face on the front of papers again

Big if. so thread title is wrong as its possed as a question in which it answers itself 'World cup could be treatened by Bird Flu' more suitable title.

BaZmO*

Bluetonic wrote:

A story that would be fit for the Evening Herald to be honest.

Yeah pure bóllóxology. If that's the case, why haven't they stopped travelling full stop?

The only reason they give that they give for it being called off is... "but if bird flu developed into something like the plague or cholera"

In fairness, if it developed into something like the plague or similar, do you think anybody would care about football?

gracehopper

If the infected bird is cooked it is then disease free. I suppose its not an option with a couple of milllion football fans. is it?

Kingp35

Obviously at this moment in time the story sounds stupid to all of us. But there is the slight possibility that Bird Flu can get alot worse between now and the World Cup which could threaten it. Yeah its a very small chance but it is a possibility and I think thats all Sepp Blatter was saying.

Pigman II

I'm sure you'll all agree with me when I say that I think the only sensible solution is to immediately move the finals from continental Europe to somewhere relatively nearby that hasn't been affected yet (ie Ireland.)

Of course we'd have to be given automatic qualification as hosts (wouldn't be right any other way).

Ah I can see it now! Brazil v England at Dalymount for the right to play us in the final.

blu_sonic

which will be held at the newly opened tallaght stadium, i like you thinking pigman

gracehopper wrote:

If the infected bird is cooked it is then disease free. I suppose its not an option with a couple of milllion football fans. is it?

i think its a little bit more contegious thn consumption, or atleast thats the worry that it will become more serious

Pigman II

blu_sonic wrote:

which will be held at the newly opened tallaght stadium, i like you thinking pigman

Well I was hypothesising on the 2006 world cup (not the 2010 one) but sure, why not.

bohsman

Pigman II wrote:

I'm sure you'll all agree with me when I say that I think the only sensible solution is to immediately move the finals from continental Europe to somewhere relatively nearby that hasn't been affected yet (ie Ireland.)

Of course we'd have to be given automatic qualification as hosts (wouldn't be right any other way).

Ah I can see it now! Brazil v England at Dalymount for the right to play us in the final.

Yep a Brazil Bohs final would be fantastic.

mike65

Here's why the world cup should be called off -

eeeeeee:eek:k

Mike.

Pigman II

mike65 wrote:

Here's why the world cup should be called off -

eeeeeee:eek:k

Mike.

I'm sorry but 'World in motion' is the only good football song ever. As such I'm sure Barnes will be involved in yet another cracker this time round.

mike65

The song is good, the rap is not.

Mike.

ianomccabe

between world in motion and pass and the anfield rap barnsey's had quite the career!

county

Pigman II wrote:

I'm sorry but 'World in motion' is the only good football song ever. As such I'm sure Barnes will be involved in yet another cracker this time round.

sorry but three loins was by far the best

blu_sonic

put them under pressure trumps all

mike65

county wrote:

sorry but three loins was by far the best

Nah, Vindaloo is the one.

Mike.