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Grump wrote: I apologise for the opinions expressed about this matter buy my heart instead of my head ruled and I have found myself involved in a discussion about politics, religion and others beliefs.

You believe what you will as I will and I should not have got involved. Sorry if I have offended anyone but there you go it was always going to happen in a discussion like this!

Hi Grump, don't apologise for having an opinion. I tend to avoid these forums as well because I come on this site to talk footy ( and sometimes cricket) but I respect the right of others to have discussions about political and other issues. The problem with this area is that many of the regular contributors to these topics tend to tell others their views as if these are indisputable facts written in stone and then have a personal crack at others who dare to challenge their musings. The reality of course is that there are few absolutes and many complex shades of grey ( hopefully not 50!) in politics and religion and it helps to see that there are other points of view beyond our own blinkers and just recognise that as a reality and have the debate respectfully rather than denigrate anyone who dares to disagree with us.

mikeh: yes, the essence of the problem is qualification from the group. Fifa, has made some interesting decisions in the past so we will see what happens. Any decision made will not just be about football, it will be about influence, money and politics. And yes, of course, it was the same phenomenon which saw Australia get into the group in the first place -- having allies in Japan and South Korea.

Grump wrote: I apologise for the opinions expressed about this matter buy my heart instead of my head ruled and I have found myself involved in a discussion about politics, religion and others beliefs.

You believe what you will as I will and I should not have got involved. Sorry if I have offended anyone but there you go it was always going to happen in a discussion like this!

What's to apologise for Grump? Can't see where anyone was insulted. After all, even East Perth supporters are entitled to an opinion