The Proof That Money is the Heart of Modern Sport

After a few history checks I've decided that we are seeing a rise in what you may call "hosting superpowers." The biggest issue arising out of the nations who are winning rights to everything - these "hosting superpowers" - is that the dedicated sporting nations are sufferring for it. We have, therefore, reached a point where hosting a major international sports event is almost as important as (if not, better than) winning the event itself. Such is the political and glamour show some events have become that the dedicated fans in other countries are missing out on the events that many of the locals from the hosting superpowers don't really care about as much, if at all. It's all about image and not what's actually happening in heart of it all.

It's important to remember, above everything, that I'm not saying these countries don't deserve to host any of these events or that they are doing/will do a bad job. All I'm discussing is the emerging pattern of a lack of rotation and expansion to new or left out countries from top-class sports events.

So just check this list out of the two nations that stick out more than any other - even more so after the FIFA events of this past week. Take a look at what I'm getting at:

Qatar:
1998 - Added to the European Golf Tour
2001 - Added to the Womens Tennis Association Tour
2004 - Added to the Moto GP Calendar
2006 - Qatar Telecom buys naming rights to the German Open WTA Tournament
2009 - Added to the Diamond League Calendar
2010 - Wins rights to 2022 World Cup

United Arab Emirates:
2005 - Added to the Red Bull Air Race Calendar
2006 - Added to the European Golf Tour
2007 - Almost scored the rights to the Cricket World Cup
2009 - Added to the Formula One Calendar
2009 - Association of Tennis Professionals Tournament Status Updated to Tier 1
2010 - Added to the v8Supercars Calendar

Is there a line that has to be drawn here? I don't any major issues with some events going here. But there is an undeniable, dangerous pattern emerging here. All these sports have far superior support bases in countries outside of the three. Some countries are using sport as a means to drive tourism, industry and their economy, and let me tell you, they don't need the money. Sure, these events cost a lot to run, but what's more important here? Give someone else a chance to put on a show.

Watch this space...