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  Jimmy: it is you who misses the point.
  
  Much as it goes against the grain for me to say it football does produce wealth for the nation.
  
  The economic boost the world cup will provide for the economy and the tax revenues it results in for one thing. A successful bid will bring in huge numbers of overseas visitors benefitting restaurants, pubs, hotels and shops all over the country just when they need a boost. It will raise the profile of the UK to benefit businesses generally and exports as well. The tourist business would not be a 'few weeks wonder' either - it will have longer beneficial effects as tournaments in other countries have shown. All of that will generate tax revenues.
  
  These overpaid prima-donna footballers also pay UK taxes on their over-inflated earnings as do football clubs on their profits.
  
  I agree that there is almost certainly some taxpayer revenues going into this but it is a good investment that, if successful, will create jobs.
  
  Jimmy - we have been through the worse and longest recession in 80 years and we are not yet out of it fully. Those businesses that are emerging from this stronger are those who, when the time got difficult, made cuts to ensure maximum efficiency but also identified new markets and opportunities and invested in them. It is no different for the country and the economy as a whole, yes we must make cuts to the bloated State but some small well judged investment will pay off big time.
  
  Not all such investment works, indeed the bid for the world cup may not succeed, but as any successful businessman will tell you that should not stop you trying to exploit a situation.
  
  The taxpayers money involved in the bid is small on the scale of things and it is right that it be made.
  
  This is probably the first and only time that I have defended government spending money on sport!!!! Must be getting soft in my old age.

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