The good thing with FIFA rules is that if you do not like them, another set will be along in a minute. No event is too big for a sudden, self-serving change of direction, either. The World Cup in South Africa, one might think, would have a clear set of qualifying regulations and procedures disclosed well in advance, so that all participating nations know where they stand.
Apparently not.
FIFA have left it until now, with two matches to go in most groups, to reveal how the play-off round in the European qualifying sector will be decided. When all the group games have finished there will be four places still up for grabs, to be fought out between the eight best second-placed teams. A year ago, FIFA were briefing that these fixtures would be the result of an open draw, but then something changed.
Those with a suspicious nature think they know what changed. Portugal, France and maybe even Germany stuffed up their qualification campaign, so there became a very real chance that the World Cup would take place without some of the biggest nations, and the best players. At which point FIFA took fright and decided they could not risk Thierry Henry squaring off against Cristiano Ronaldo for a World Cup place, while the Republic of Ireland drew Slovenia. They announced that the play-off round would be seeded.
With Greece facing home matches against Latvia and Luxembourg, and Switzerland also scheduled to play Luxembourg, Israel’s chances of reaching South Africa via the play-offs are remote. FIFA’s ruling, however, ensures that even if Israel did slip through the net, they would probably face a mammoth task against one of the giants of European football thanks to a current ranking of 22nd in the world.
There is no harm in that, providing the route was always mapped out. Some still regard the Football League play-offs as unfair, yet clubs know before the season starts that to be guaranteed promotion to the Premier League a top two finish is required. Fall short and enter the play-offs. Everyone knows where they stand.
That is not true of the World Cup. Who knew what was happening until FIFA alighted on the format at the last minute from, by the looks of it, a subjective position? John Delaney of the Football Association of Ireland said that a year ago FIFA advised that the draw would most likely not be seeded. It is this vagueness that is so wrong. The rules should be known on the day the tournament begins; football’s governing body, of all people, should not be making them up as they go along.
Partisan emotions aside, we all want to see the best players and the best teams at the tournament. Nobody would be too thrilled if Ronaldo missed out while Norway were given an easy ride; everybody understands the logic. Yet these details must be agreed in advance rather than at the push of a panic button. Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, is very fond of fair play; he might like to try some himself.
Martin Samuel is the chief sports writer of the Daily Mail, where his column appears on Monday and Wednesday