By Tom Degun at the International Sport Security Conference in Doha
March 14 – English Premier League chairman Sir David Richards has caused outrageous scenes here at the International Sport Security Conference as he attacked FIFA and UEFA for stealing football in England before bizarrely ending the day by falling into a swimming pool to put himself even further in the spotlight.
Sir David, who is also chair of the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL) and vice chairman of the English Football Association, began the day here as part of a panel harmlessly discussing growing a sporting brand in a new market before he unexpectedly launched an attack on the world and European football governing bodies.
“England gave the world football,” he said.
“It gave the best legacy anyone could give.
“We gave them the game.
“For 50 years, we owned the game; we were the governance of the game.
“We wrote the rules, designed the pitches and everything else.
“Then, 50 years later, some guy came along and said: ‘You’re liars,’ and they actually stole it.
“It was called FIFA.
“Fifty years later, another gang came along called UEFA and stole a bit more.”
Reminded that China had a claim to inventing the game, Richards said: “It started in Sheffield 150 years ago.
“We started the game and wrote the rules and took it to the world.
“The Chinese may say they own it but the British own it and we gave it to the rest of the world.”
Sir David then headed to the press conference where he continued in his controversial form by turning on hosts Qatar and suggesting that fans would boycott the FIFA 2022 World Cup in the country unless alcohol becomes readily available across the region, which is currently not.
“To have a World Cup in Qatar in 2022 where alcohol is not available would be a terrible thing.
“If that is the case, we need to know straight away and give a very, very early warning to the fans that that is the case and that all the hotels are dry.
“I think it would mean that fans would not come which would be a great shame.”
Following the surprising verbal volley, Sir David headed to the formal conference dinner on the West Courtyard at the Museum of Islamic Art.
But on making his way to his table, he tripped and fell face first into the shallow ornamental pool in the middle of the marble floor
Looking rather shaken, he was helped out of the water by the Bolton Wanderers chairman, and fellow Premier League board member, Phil Gartside.
A number of waiters rushed to his aid before escorting the soaking Sir David away from the dinner.
He did not return, marking the end of a damaging day for English football’s international reputation.
While Sir David’s bizarre antics were the source of huge amusement here, both the English Premier League and the English FA moved to distance themselves from the incidents, clearly mindful of the potential damage to its overseas commercial strategy and its diplomatic links.
“Sir Dave is attending the conference in a private and personal capacity and his comments in no way reflect the views of the Premier League,” said a Premier League spokesman of his chairman.
The FA also revealed its concern at the possible impact of their vice-chairman’s remarks.
“Sir Dave Richards is not representing the FA at this conference and his personal views are in no way shared or endorsed by the FA.
“The FA greatly values its relationships with FIFA and UEFA, which it is working hard to strengthen.”
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