Like deja vu all over again

I've been following the fall out from the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, and at this early stage it looks like a re-run of the post FIDE election coverage from 2 months ago. The reactions of the fans and media of the losing countries seem to be a mixture of disbelief and bitterness, with suggestions that the whole voting process was flawed. Coupled with accusations that FIFA is a 'corrupt' organisation, and it all looks very familiar to anyone who follows FIDE politics.

However one interesting difference is that their are some arguing for an expanded voting pool, even going so far as to suggest one country one vote. This is a marked change from the media reaction to the FIDE election, where there were suggestions that only 'real' chess countries should vote, where 'real' was implicitly defined as either Western European, or simply Karpov supporting countries.

This article from the BBC concerning the FIFA vote makes some good points (eg more voters means less scope for corruption), which those campaigning for a reduction in the FIDE voting pool should take note of. However, as long as people keep losing elections, they will look everywhere except at their own campaign to explain their defeats, and as long as they do, they will keep losing elections.