World Cup seedings stitch-up makes a mockery of fair play
By Mark Lawrenson
Published 20:22 16/10/09
It is a bit ironic FIFA have decided to seed the draw for the playoffs on Monday to protect the big teams while UEFA are trying to reduce the number of clubs from the major countries in the Champions Leagues.
But you have to ask why the world's governing body have decided to tinker at this late stage. The chances are it will hurt the Republic of Ireland after they finished behind only world champions Italy in their group.
There will be 32 teams at the World Cup with only half a dozen in with a real chance of winning. The strength of international teams is cyclical and nobody has a right to be there. On their recent form, France simply do not deserve to be seeded.
It is the same mentality which has seen the Champions League become so dreary in the first group stage and the creation of the drab Europa League.
The best teams should qualify for the World Cup by the virtue of fair play.
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