After failing at the Olympics, Qatar might start to look desperate

After failing to make the shortlist for the 2016 Olympics, Qatar is reported to readying a bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, is said to be serious about bringing a major sporting event to the country – and beating the UAE to it, but doesn’t want to be humiliated by the judging process.

He’ll be lucky. Despite being impressed by Doha’s technical credentials, the International Olympic Committee flatly rejected the proposed October dates. The World Cup is even less flexible: it must be staged at the end of the European football season – June to July. Unless every game is to be played indoors, a Doha World Cup is a non-starter.

There is merit in bidding – networking, learning new skills, preparing the ground for a future, more realistic bid – but only if success is not judged on winning alone. After yesterday’s win over China in qualifying for 2010, Qatar’s national team has more success of World Cup glory than the country has of hosting the main event.