Sir, – Any chance the World Cup could be situated permanently in Qatar? I am impressed by how the world’s energy money has been spent on what could be single-use soccer stadiums. Better to reuse them and give us value for our money every time we switch on our heating systems. More importantly, no more lives lost in building similar stadiums in the next petro-state in need of some sportswashing. – Yours, etc,
JOHN O’CONNELL,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – The refusal by Qatari dignitaries to shake hands with the female Fifa referees was appallingly and ignorantly rude. Culture, my eye. Have they even the manners they were born with? The answer was there for all the world to see. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA MULKEEN,
Ballinfull,
Sligo.
Sir, – Qatar 2022 delivered what was probably the best World Cup final ever. The tournament as a whole was among the finest in football terms. Right or wrong this is what will be remembered, not the criticisms. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN QUIGLEY,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Now that the World Cup is over, can we begin to enjoy Christmas at last at this time of the year? – Yours, etc,
FINBARR HEALY,
Enniscorthy,
Co Wexford.
Sir, – Despite the many things that were questionable, or just wrong, about the 2022 World Cup, the timing was great. It seems quite a sacrifice to sit indoors watching sport in the peak of summer. But in November and December it’s been the perfect soap opera to follow as the days got shorter. And the European teams at least were not exhausted at the end of a long season. Probably the best tournament ever and surely the best final. Well done to all the players and coaches. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.
Sir, – The tens of thousands of colourful supporters of Argentina have been the best fans in Qatar.
Argentina’s victory lifts Lionel Messi – alongside Pelé and Diego Maradona – into a triumvirate of the very greatest players of the beautiful game ever. – Yours, etc,
JOE McCARTHY,
Dublin 7.