Australia Must Move on after 2022 World Cup Shock | Thebigtip

It's been interesting to observe the Australian reaction since the hosting rights to the 2022 World Cup were handed to Qatar by FIFA last Thursday in Zurich. Shock and anger soon turned into conspiracy theories, corruption, collusion and bribery claims. Is such a reaction that of sore losers?

It's worth noting that Football Federation Australia has steered clear of getting involved in any accusations since the announcement.

As was the theme with the World Cup bid, FFA chairman Frank Lowy and co decided not to ruffle any feathers despite the simmering tensions bubbling beneath the surface regarding conspiracy plots and FIFA politicking.

It's the right reaction in the public sphere, particularly for the long-term, if Australia does bid again for another World Cup down the line. There is nothing to be gained from making any enemies now.

After Thursday's announcement, Lowy said: "We are extremely proud at how we conducted ourselves in the bidding process and of the great technical aspects of our bid.

“We have made many friends across the world over the past two years and we should use this experience to our advantage. Australian football is firmly on the map and is talked about positively around the world.

"I would like to congratulate Qatar for running an impressive campaign and their victory is a great boost for the Asian region."

As Diplomatic and gracious as ever, Mr Lowy.

But in direct contradiction to Lowy's grace in defeat has been the reaction of Australian football fans in the blogosphere and on online forums.

The reaction of the Fox Sports commentators during the World Cup decision coverage appeared to spark these sentiments.

Robbie Slater and Mark Bosnich were clearly devastated at the announcement and expressed their outrage by blasting the fact the decision appeared to be leaked to the media early.

And, of course, Andy Harper's reaction was a clear display of anger. At no stage throughout this entire process did Harper give Qatar a shot so when they were announced as winners he was clearly angry and had an axe to grind.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, Harper was stubborn with his views on the Middle East nation, who had together a pretty impressive World Cup bid.

Of course people are upset but some of the things which have been written and said about corruption, collusion or bribery are based on hearsay and little else.

The forumites and bloggers have taken to those comments and run with them and it's getting beyond a joke. It makes you wonder what the reaction will be the next time Australia play Qatar on home soil, which happens quite often nowadays in the Asian confederation. Far from welcoming, I'd fancy.

But as tensions appeared to have settled down, SBS's The World Game aired an interview with FFA bid consultant Peter Hargitay who spoke about conspiracy theories within FIFA.

And then there were comments about Australia losing the World Cup bid because we were too clean and didn't resort to financial inducements for votes.

Hargitay's comments certainly add to fuel to the fire for the angry mob.

We should, however, question the credibility of this man, who has a murky past and is known as a spin-doctor.

Is there anything to be gained from Hargitay's comments?