Shock and awe as Brits see red

TO BORROW a phrase from George W Bush, there was shock and awe in the world of football after FIFA’s astonishing decision yesterday to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.

No matter that a senior FIFA source described it as “the Doomsday Scenario”, because two such controversial choices have shredded what was left of FIFA’S credibility and integrity.

The next three World Cups will be held in countries which, at the moment, cannot muster between them more than half a dozen stadia that are up to scratch.