SN had a chance to chat with celebrated soccer coach Warren Barton on the World Cup 2022 Decision.

What is your reaction to FIFA's choice for the 2022 World Cup? 

"Hugely disappointing. As a soccer player, as coach and an American, the decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar is hugely disappointing.  I think the FIFA committee are being politicians and not soccer people." 

What about World Cup 2018?

"Congratulations to Russia and I can understand that decision, but I am disappointed that England did not get it."

What about the decision for 2022?

"We will take the punch on the chin, pluck ourselves up, dust ourselves off and go again!"

"I just don’t understand the decision to select Qatar to host the world cup. I know FIFA is trying to get the game of soccer to every corner of the world; but the Middle East?  I am sure Qatar has the cash and the resources but the heat!  Do you realize how high the temperature gets?  140 degrees - how do you play soccer in that heat?  The issues with the logistics and media… the U.S. was the most sensible choice.  The logical, obvious bid. The U.S. did a tremendous job with the World Cup in ’94."

What do you know about the Qatar’s soccer team?

"Can't remember Qatar getting to a world cup final.  Can you?"

What do you think of FIFA?

"FIFA is trying to tell the world they can dictate where soccer is going.  It is great to take soccer to all four corners of the globe, but where is the common sense? The committee members are forgetting what their roles are; what is best for soccer.  The World Cup 2022 should have been in the U.S. period."

What do you think of the FIFA committee?

"Scary what power the FIFA committee has.  They have forgotten what their jobs are.  Their job is to take this game forward in the correct manner.  Instead, they said we can take soccer wherever we want, and whenever we want. This is not sour grapes.  FIFA took their power to a whole new level."

Is there corruption in FIFA?

"Under any light, there are allegations and I think it starts at the top., Blatter should take a good hard look at himself. What does he think, I know about these trips on private jets. Blatter must be responsible for the actions of his committee.  As Head coach of the San Diego Flash, if any of my players were ever caught in any wrong doing, I am their coach and it would be my responsibility."

What do you think the impact will be on soccer in America?

"The decision is a huge slap in the face to the U.S.  A big disappointment. I can only imagine how Landon Donovan must feel.  But Americans are strong, a roll-your-sleeves-up-and-go people.  In terms of soccer in America? Grass roots youth soccer will not be harmed.  There are so many kids playing soccer in America.  

"For the long term, this sport needs a goal, a showcase and now obviously that has been taken away.  We need to focus on other exhibition soccer games.  Maybe replace FIFA’s World Cup with other soccer events that will have the same prestige and the focus."

What about the growth of soccer in the future? 

"Soccer is moving to a whole new level. The sport is growing. It will keep growing regardless of what FIFA did today.  Soccer is too big, too powerful, people are too passionate about the game of soccer. Remember how much excitement the World Cup 2010 generated in the states?  This excitement and passion is going to continue to grow rapidly."

What do you think about soccer in San Diego? 

"San Diego was one of the cities for the US bid.  San Diego was designated as one of the primary training grounds.  This is a loss for our city.  San Diego is a soccer city.  I know this.  I am a coach in this city and there are many many soccer fans here."

What is next for you?

"As head coach for the San Diego Flash soccer team, I look forward to our season starting Spring 2011 when we will be competing in a pro league and playing in the North County area and giving San Diego people something to cheer about!"

"I want to help San Diego soccer players play soccer in San Diego.  Young players from the clubs in San Diego, like the Surf, Nomads, and others, I want the San Diego youth soccer players to know that can grow up and play pro soccer in their hometown.  It is easy to bring soccer players in but I want to cultivate players from our city. I want young players to be proud to represent San Diego, and play for our great team."

"The game of soccer is going to continue to grow and be greater than ever, here in San Diego and throughout America.  It is just going to get better and better!  Just watch!"

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