Blazer criticises FIFA over World Cup places
Reuters - Friday 04 March 2011, 13:12
BERNE - FIFA executive committee member
Chuck Blazer has criticised his colleagues after they refused to
give the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean
federations (CONCACAF) an extra place at the World Cup.
"Really not happy with the FIFA exco meeting," the CONCACAF
secretary general said on Twitter. "Every'one protects their own
interests rather than doing what's right. Convenient decisions."
CONCACAF had wanted four places at the 2014 World Cup but
were left with 3.5,the same as in South Africa last year, when
FIFA decided not to make any changes to the allocation of slots
on Thursday.
A "half place" is a berth in a two-leg play-off with a team
from another confederation. The winner qualifies for the World
Cup.
Blazer, an American, was angry that Brazil, who qualify
automatically as hosts, were not included in South America's 4.5
slots and suggested Africa's five places was also too generous.
"The last time we hosted, in 1986 (Mexico) and 1994 (United
States), we didn't get an extra slot. Why should South America?"
he said.
"In 2010, Africa had six and only Ghana advanced (beyond the
group stage). Why do they have five and we 3.5?"
"We are 35 members who are very serious about qualifying. We
want to be treated fairly and given enough opportunity to be
successful. Hear us."
Africa had an extra team last year because South Africa
qualified automatically as hosts.
CONCACAF had three teams at the 2010 World Cup with United
States and Mexico losing in the last 16 and Honduras going out
in the group stage without scoring a goal.
They lost their half place when Costa Rica were beaten by
Uruguay in a two-leg play-off.
Blazer added that Oceania deserved more than half a place.
"I think they should have a whole place. It was a big error
in 2003 to strip them of it. They should get their missing
half."
Oceania were awarded a whole place in 2003 but FIFA then
back-tracked and ruled that they should play off against a South
American team.