Why won't Mark Robinson at the NZRU talk about the Middle East and whether we are going there, or expanding there, or holding tournaments there?
Why are we so edgy about Saudi Arabia and Qatar and all the other moneyed places that want to expand their sporting portfolios?
I know, I know, it’s the human rights record. It might be the way they treat women, or immigrants or plenty of others to pick on.
But here's a couple of critical things.
The horse has already bolted. Those countries have decided sport needs to play a bigger part in their tourism and cultural push into the wider world and they have the money to make it happen.
They are the Middle East Vegas. Build it and they will come.
Everything from football world cups, to boxing, to snooker - sport worked out a long time ago money is what pays the bill, expands the reach and pays for the noise that attracts the fans.
Secondly, why are we so high and mighty about human rights when it comes to sport?
Everything from holidaying in Fiji, where political and cultural skirmishes have flared for years, to China who remain our biggest trading partner by a mile; the world is full of people who do odd things.
Whether it's religion, culture, politics or law and order, if you want a list of stuff we have trouble with there is no shortage of regimes and countries. Yet we buy from them, visit them and befriend them.
Then for reasons that really highlight our hypocrisy and inconsistency, we then go and get all exercised when it comes to sport.
That of course, is why sport and politics should never be mixed.
Because the only loser is the sport. As you object or withdraw or make your point, someone else is lined up to bank the cheque and the fans aren't far behind.
Mike Hosking is a New Zealand television and radio broadcaster. He currently hosts The Mike Hosking Breakfast show on NewstalkZB on weekday mornings - where this article was sourced.
But here's a couple of critical things.
The horse has already bolted. Those countries have decided sport needs to play a bigger part in their tourism and cultural push into the wider world and they have the money to make it happen.
They are the Middle East Vegas. Build it and they will come.
Everything from football world cups, to boxing, to snooker - sport worked out a long time ago money is what pays the bill, expands the reach and pays for the noise that attracts the fans.
Secondly, why are we so high and mighty about human rights when it comes to sport?
Everything from holidaying in Fiji, where political and cultural skirmishes have flared for years, to China who remain our biggest trading partner by a mile; the world is full of people who do odd things.
Whether it's religion, culture, politics or law and order, if you want a list of stuff we have trouble with there is no shortage of regimes and countries. Yet we buy from them, visit them and befriend them.
Then for reasons that really highlight our hypocrisy and inconsistency, we then go and get all exercised when it comes to sport.
That of course, is why sport and politics should never be mixed.
Because the only loser is the sport. As you object or withdraw or make your point, someone else is lined up to bank the cheque and the fans aren't far behind.
Mike Hosking is a New Zealand television and radio broadcaster. He currently hosts The Mike Hosking Breakfast show on NewstalkZB on weekday mornings - where this article was sourced.
3 comments:
Unless that sport accepts taxpayer money, then politics is already in the game. Or should it be just give us the money and leave us alone?
No, accept funding and realise you have an obligation that comes with it. Or leave the money on the table and walk away. All good either way.
Political systems if founded on false beliefs oppress peoples and ruin lives. Why should sport matter more than politics? It shouldn't. Perhaps we shouldn't be playing so nice with those who don't play nice with others.
I'm just very wary of getting involved with these countries. Manchester City have been bankrolled by the UAE for some years and have won everything. But they have 115 charges against them of breaching the fair play rules. The UAE are bankrolling a football team to dominate the Premier league year and year. That's a huge problem.
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