[cmeisenzahl]

"IT IS brown-gold and alcoholic but, then, in the scathing verdict of German beer fans, so is paint thinner.

The Germans are furious that Budweiser will be the official tipple for the World Cup, which starts next month. The American lager has secured a near-monopoly of beer sales inside World Cup stadiums and within a 500m radius of the grounds, supplanting more than 1,270 domestic breweries.

And what most upsets the fans is that Budweiser — advertised as the “King of Beers” in the US — fails to meet the ancient German standards for purity, which stipulate that beer can be brewed only from malt, hops and water. Budweiser uses rice in its production process and therefore does not qualify as a beer in the German sense.

Budweiser’s World Cup status is a slap in the face for a country that attaches such importance to beer production. When Germany was a patchwork of principalities and duchies, a sponsored brewery was seen as the stamp of in- dependence. German pride at hosting the tournament is being dented by the fierce marketing of the American beer."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...188537,00.html

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/041222/1/2v06.html

[analogika]

Yep, it's a real embarrassment that that piss is an official sponsor.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Dieses Bud für Sie

[abe]

I admit I'm surprised that they were named the OFFICIAL beer and wondered how much $$$ the Germans demanded/accepted for this honor.

But maybe they are unveiling a NEW brew that's more in line with the standards of some truly great European brands.

[TETENAL]

Originally Posted by abe

I admit I'm surprised that they were named the OFFICIAL beer and wondered how much $$$ the Germans demanded/accepted for this honor.

I think the FIFA collects the royalties for the world cup, not "the Germans".

[abe]

Originally Posted by TETENAL

I think the FIFA collects the royalties for the world cup, not "the Germans".

Oh, and the Germans get the kickback from FIFA? Oh, I see.

[Seb G]

To make matters worse, stadium catering is done by McDonalds. It's not like Germany is hosting the world cup, we're just providing land to have it on. For my part, I'll be ignoring the world cup. I'll keep drinking local beer and eating Bratwurst. And Mosella valley Riesling and aspargus.

And whenever I visit the U.S., I won't touch Bud because there is a good choice of decent American beers out there.

On a side note, Bud had to allow a German brewery to sell a beer called Bit in the stadiums, because of the similarity of the names (Anheuser-Busch cannot use the name Budweiser because that's protected by the Czech brewery. Bit is a protected brand, too). It is slightly better than Bud. Not much. But contains no rice.

[TETENAL]

Originally Posted by abe

Oh, and the Germans get the kickback from FIFA? Oh, I see.

You don't know the FIFA very well.

[abe]

Originally Posted by TETENAL

You don't know the FIFA very well.

I just thought I remembered something about FIFA and Saddam Hussein and naturally thought that, well...you know.

Here's a different kind of FIFA scandal, however.

MUNICH, Germany -- FIFA will set up an independent ethics committee to combat scandals involving referee bribing and match-fixing.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Monday the new panel will be the key item on the agenda of the FIFA Congress, which starts Wednesday, two days before the opening match of the World Cup.

"It's an important step forward," Blatter said. "I'm sure the congress will follow up. It's necessary where there are deviations in football."

He said a truly independent ethics committee "given the tools" to work effectively should replace a current ethics committee format that has an executive committee member in charge. Blatter gave a three-month timetable after the World Cup for the new guidelines and powers to be worked out.

FIFA's executive committee also decided to accept World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, avoiding a conflict before the World Cup.

But while adopting WADA's minimum two-year doping sanctions, Blatter said FIFA reserved the right to treat each case on its merits.

Previously, FIFA wanted to impose minimum six-month bans. WADA warned that soccer's place in the Olympics would be at stake if FIFA did not accept the standard two-year minimums.

"I'm pleased to say we've reached agreement with WADA," said Blatter, adding that the "principle of individual case management is upheld."

FIFA's amended disciplinary code "will mention words 'in principle' -- individual case management allows for flexibility upward or downward" in sanctions, he said.

Appearing at a news conference after FIFA's executive committee meetings, Blatter also held up an Olympic oath-style "declaration" that all players and officials must sign, promising fair play at the World Cup.

But while he spoke, independent auditors -- at the request of FIFA -- were investigating reports that some of the Paraguayan national soccer federation's tickets had ended up with agencies or even scalpers.

FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi said the investigation was ongoing and would not make further comment.

As a separate investigation on the bribery scandal that has rocked Italian soccer continues, Blatter said an increased focus on referees and an ethics committee with real powers would help address some problems.

"We've had to note that the system applicable to organizing football is not faultless and a number of scandals have affected football -- for instance, the problem with referees," Blatter said. "We realize there were similar problems with other associations. I'll not mention all places there were fire -- or smoke -- Brazil, Belgium, one of the Balkan states.

"When you see a circle drawn, the referee is at the heart of it," he said.

Italian referee Massimo De Santis has been barred from the World Cup after being implicated in the scandal that is centered on Juventus and involves allegations of match-fixing, illegal betting and manipulation of referee assignments.

Blatter said the introduction of professional referees in the wealthy leagues and a transfer system for officials between continents would help.

In other developments, FIFA confirmed the Club World Cup format in Japan will include the winners of all six continental club championships, ensuring Oceania's right to a direct entry to the December tournament.

The executive board will present 13 motions from its Taskforce for the Good of the Game during the congress.

[abe]

Ahh, maybe this was it.

April 11, 2006, 1:11 p.m.
Football Killing Fields
Outrage and disbelief as world soccer body condemns Israel, not Hamas.

By Tom Gross

Israel is used to being singled out for unjust criticism and subjected to startling double standards by the United Nations, the European Union, much of the Western media and numerous academic bodies. But now FIFA — the supposedly nonpolitical organization that governs the world's most popular sport, soccer — is getting in on the act as well.

FIFA has condemned Israel for an air strike on an empty soccer field in the Gaza Strip that was used for training exercises by Islamic Jihad and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. This strike did not cause any injuries. But at the same time FIFA has refused to condemn a Palestinian rocket attack on an Israeli soccer field last week which did cause injuries.

With the soccer World Cup, which takes place only once every four years, just weeks away, it is a time of mounting emotion for the hundreds of millions of people across the globe who passionately follow the game.

As FIFA meets in the next few days to decide what action to take against Israel, the double standards involved could not be more obvious. Up to now FIFA, which sees itself as a purely sporting body, has gone out of its way to avoid politics, and has refrained from criticizing even the most appalling human-rights abuses connected to soccer players and stadiums.

NOT A WORD ABOUT SADDAM AND THE TALIBAN
When Saddam Hussein's son Uday had Iraqi soccer players tortured in 1997 after they failed to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup Finals in France, FIFA remained silent. Uday, who was chairman of the Iraqi soccer association, had star players tortured again in 1998. And in 2000, following a quarterfinal defeat in the Asia Cup, three Iraqi players were whipped and beaten for three days by Uday's bodyguards. The torture took place at the Iraqi Olympic Committee headquarters, but FIFA said nothing.

http://www.nationalreview.com/commen...0604111311.asp

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by cmeisenzahl

And what most upsets the fans is that Budweiser — advertised as the “King of Beers” in the US — fails to meet the ancient German standards for purity, which stipulate that beer can be brewed only from malt, hops and water. Budweiser uses rice in its production process and therefore does not qualify as a beer in the German sense.

I agree that Budwieser should NOT be given the sponsorship. But... German's should also be mad that 99% of their beer doesn't meet the ancient outdated Reinheitsgebot.

And that's not including the various wheat beers and that fact that cane sugar is added to some German beers.

[scottiB]

It looks like the adage is true: You can't go home again.

[abe]

http://www.ratebeer.com/Ratings/TopGerman.asp

The Best Beers from Germany

The following are the 100 highest rated beers brewed in Germany as they appear in the ranks at RateBeer.com. A minimum of 10 ratings is required to make the list. Beer scores are weighted means so that more ratings for a beer increase the score's tendency to the beer's actual mean.

Rank Name Score Rate Count Style

1 Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock 4.15 1067 Doppelbock
2 Schneider Aventinus 4.04 908 Weizen Bock
3 Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel 4.03 252 Doppelbock
4 Ayinger Maibock 3.92 28 Bock
5 Kulmbacher Eisbock 3.91 313 Eisbock
6 Hacker-Pschorr Weiss Bock 3.91 32 Weizen Bock
7 Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock 3.89 282 Doppelbock
8 Spezial Ungespundet 3.85 13 Zwickel/Keller/Landbier
9 Schlüssel Alt 3.84 42 Altbier
10 Schneider Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock 3.82 462 Eisbock
11 Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock 3.82 354 Smoked
12 Aecht Schlenkerla Fastenbier 3.79 31 Smoked
13 Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier 3.78 591 German Hefeweizen
14 Augustiner Maximator 3.74 163 Doppelbock
15 Weihenstephaner Korbinian 3.73 296 Doppelbock
16 Füchschen Alt 3.73 43 Altbier
17 Bauer Goedecke Döllnitzer Ritterguts Gose 3.73 20 Traditional Ale
18 Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher Hell Naturtrüb 3.72 123 Dortmunder/Helles
19 Fiedler Bock im Stein 3.72 20 Bock
20 Uerige Doppel Sticke 3.72 133 Altbier
21 Spaten Optimator 3.7 702 Doppelbock
22 Uerige Sticke 3.68 202 Altbier
23 Allgäuer Cambonator Doppelbock 3.67 126 Doppelbock
24 Ayinger Bräu Weisse 3.67 444 German Hefeweizen
25 Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel 3.65 331 Dunkel
26 Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen 3.65 323 Oktoberfest/Märzen
27 Ettaler Curator Doppelbock 3.65 72 Doppelbock
28 Neuzeller Kloster-Bräu Porter 3.65 58 Baltic Porter
29 Päffgen Kölsch 3.65 19 Kölsch
30 Hofmark Engel Bock 3.65 11 Bock
31 Spezial Rauchbier Märzen 3.64 31 Smoked
32 Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen 3.63 546 Smoked
33 Schumacher Latzenbier 3.63 15 Altbier
34 Paulaner Salvator 3.63 837 Doppelbock
35 Franziskaner Hefe-Weissbier 3.61 786 German Hefeweizen
36 Andechser Weissbier Hefetrüb 3.61 96 German Hefeweizen
37 Paulaner Hefeweissbier 3.6 753 German Hefeweizen
38 Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher Roggenbier 3.6 91 Dunkelweizen
39 Unertl Weißer Bock 3.6 28 Weizen Bock
40 Tucher Bajuvator Doppelbock 3.58 180 Doppelbock
41 Schneider Weisse Original 3.58 511 German Hefeweizen
42 Ayinger Ur-Weisse 3.58 330 Dunkelweizen
43 Maisels Weisse Original 3.58 180 German Hefeweizen
44 Forschungs St. Jakobus Bock 3.58 15 Doppelbock
45 Hacker-Pschorr Animator 3.58 40 Doppelbock
46 Löwenbräu Triumphator 3.57 45 Doppelbock
47 Allgäuer Stifts-Weizenbock 3.57 14 Weizen Bock
48 Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse 3.56 493 German Hefeweizen
49 Mauritius Zwickauer Bock Dunkel 3.55 16 Bock
50 Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Weizen 3.54 287 Smoked
51 Griess Kellerbier 3.53 13 Zwickel/Keller/Landbier
52 Spezial Rauchbier Lager 3.53 166 Smoked
53 Andechser Dunkles Weissbier 3.53 65 Dunkelweizen
54 Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher Oktoberfest-Bier 3.52 46 Oktoberfest/Märzen
55 Altstadthof Schwarzbier 3.52 11 Schwarzbier
56 Ayinger Weihnachts-Bock 3.52 22 Bock
57 Schneider Weisse Edel-Weisse 3.52 283 German Hefeweizen
58 Vetters 33 3.52 43 Doppelbock
59 Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel 3.52 298 Dunkelweizen
60 Forschungs Pilsissimus 3.51 13 Bohemian Pilsener
61 Zehendner Mönchsambacher Lagerbier 3.51 11 Zwickel/Keller/Landbier
62 Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher (Nikolausbier) Altfränkisches Dunkel 3.5 80 Dunkel
63 Uerige Alt 3.5 153 Altbier
64 Aktienbrauerei Kaufbeuren St. Martin Doppelbock 3.49 56 Doppelbock
65 Faust Doppelbock 3.49 11 Doppelbock
66 Hofmark Pilsner (Das Feine Hofmark Würzig Herb) 3.48 30 Pilsener
67 Andechser Dunkel 3.48 70 Dunkel
68 Mahrs Bräu Jubelfestbier 3.48 44 Dunkel
69 Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel 3.48 145 Dunkel
70 Mahrs Bräu der Weisse Bock 3.47 152 Weizen Bock
71 Paulaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel 3.45 129 Dunkelweizen
72 Herrnbräu St Martini Weizenbock 3.45 18 Weizen Bock
73 Tegernseer Quirinus Dunkler Doppelbock 3.45 16 Doppelbock
74 Schumacher Alt 3.45 35 Altbier
75 Julius Echter Hefe-Weiss Dunkel 3.45 128 Dunkelweizen
76 Aktienbrauerei Kaufbeuren Jubiläums Pils 3.45 22 Classic German Pilsener
77 Maisel Kellerbier 3.44 17 Zwickel/Keller/Landbier
78 Köstritzer Schwarzbier 3.44 507 Schwarzbier
79 Kaltenberg Ritterbock 3.43 22 Doppelbock
80 Erdinger Pikantus 3.43 262 Weizen Bock
81 Hofmark Würzig Mild 3.43 13 Pilsener
82 Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest Märzen 3.43 358 Oktoberfest/Märzen
83 Bürgerbräu Wolnzacher Aktionator 3.43 27 Doppelbock
84 Sauer Gunzendorfer Schlückla 3.43 12 Smoked
85 Schneider Weisse Weizen Hell 3.43 26 German Hefeweizen
86 Hofbräu München Maibock 3.43 162 Bock
87 Altenmünster Jubelbier Dunkel Spezial (Jubel) 3.42 126 Dunkel
88 Füchschen Silberfüchschen 3.42 13 German Hefeweizen
89 Hacker-Pschorr Dunkle Weisse 3.42 240 Dunkelweizen
90 Kapuziner Weissbier 3.42 151 German Hefeweizen
91 Ayinger Jahrhundert 3.41 312 Dortmunder/Helles
92 Würzburger Festbier 3.4 21 Oktoberfest/Märzen
93 Kulmbacher Mönchshof Schwarzbier 3.4 240 Schwarzbier
94 Spaten Oktoberfest Ur-Marzen 3.39 507 Oktoberfest/Märzen
95 Augustiner Pils 3.39 25 Bohemian Pilsener
96 Spaten Maibock 3.38 49 Bock
97 Paulaner Oktoberfest 3.38 527 Oktoberfest/Märzen
98 Hummel-Bräu Kellerbier 3.38 11 Zwickel/Keller/Landbier
99 Kapuziner Weissbier Schwarz 3.38 52 Dunkelweizen
100 Klosterbräu Schwärzla 3.38 28 Schwarzbier

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Railroader

I agree that Budwieser should NOT be given the sponsorship. But... German's should also be mad that 99% of their beer doesn't meet the ancient outdated Reinheitsgebot.

Huh?

I've yet to find one that *doesn't*.

Name three, please.

[tooki]

The Reinheitsgebot is actually not law any more. Read the Wiki link above.

Here's an example: Erdinger, the wheat beer, claims to be in compliance with the Reinheitsgebot. That's not even possible, because wheat is contrary to the Reinheitsgebot.

So let's see, here are three wheat beers, which by definition cannot be Reinheitsgebot-compliant (regardless of what they say on the label!):

Erdinger
Schneider Weisse
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

And I'm not even a beer connoisseur.

[production_coordinator]

Ummmm... it's advertising.

I'm sure if some German beer company wanted to pony up the money... they could be the official beer.

If it were the other way around (a german beer company being the official beer of the Superbowl.) I wouldn't mind one bit.

[angelmb]

It has nothing to do with Germany hosting the World Cup, it is a deal Bud and FIFA made some years ago ( same happened in the previous World Cup, right? ) and Bud will hold through the 2014 World Cup. So this happening when Germany is the host is mostly ironic… and kinda an injury to german standards, and adding insult to injury, the official car of the tournament is… Hyundai, same deal between such 'everything' maker and the FIFA.

Nevertheless, German Soccer Team's Official Car is Mercedes-Benz. What could have been really a embarrassment?, Hyundai or Bud being official sponsors for the German Team… but being it from the competition… meh, if I was a german guy, I couldn't care less.

[zmcgill]

Originally Posted by angelmb

It has nothing to do with Germany hosting the World Cup, it is a deal Bud and FIFA made some years ago ( same happened in the previous World Cup, right? ) and Bud will hold through the 2014 World Cup. So this happening when Germany is the host is mostly ironic… and kinda an injury to german standards, and adding insult to injury, the official car of the tournament is… Hyundai, same deal between such 'everything' maker and the FIFA.

What's next...eMachines is the official computer of FIFA?

[Goldfinger]

Bitte ein Bud

[Jawbone54]

Really touchy about their beer, huh?

[zmcgill]

Eh...it's Germany. Every country's gotta be touchy about something.

[kikkoman]

I don't drink but even I think that's wrong.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Look at the plus side, at least it isn't Coors light.

[ink]

Originally Posted by abe

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

... and Budweiser Select isn't all that bad.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by analogika

Huh?

I've yet to find one that *doesn't*.

Name three, please.

Any beer that has yeast.

The Reinheitsgebot did not allow for yeast, as it hadn't been discovered yet.

Does Germany have any brewers that don't add yeast? I know a few Belgian beers are fermented with wild yeasts and the brewer doesn't technically "add" it.

[Lateralus]

If you Germans think Bud is bad (which it is), I'd love to see what you think of Milwaukee.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Lateralus

If you Germans think Bud is bad (which it is), I'd love to see what you think of Milwaukee.

Or Keystone!

[analogika]

Originally Posted by tooki

The Reinheitsgebot is actually not law any more. Read the Wiki link above.

Here's an example: Erdinger, the wheat beer, claims to be in compliance with the Reinheitsgebot. That's not even possible, because wheat is contrary to the Reinheitsgebot.

So let's see, here are three wheat beers, which by definition cannot be Reinheitsgebot-compliant (regardless of what they say on the label!):

Erdinger
Schneider Weisse
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier

And I'm not even a beer connoisseur.

Interesting.

I didn't know that wheat beer isn't Reinheitsgebot-compliant, but I guess that makes perfect sense.

Though the only extra is wheat malt (and yeast, technically, but since that's always been part of beer - it just wasn't known to be back when the Reinheitsgebot was formulated - it doesn't really count).

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Any beer that has yeast.

The Reinheitsgebot did not allow for yeast, as it hadn't been discovered yet.

Does Germany have any brewers that don't add yeast? I know a few Belgian beers are fermented with wild yeasts and the brewer doesn't technically "add" it.

German beer has always used yeast, just the brewers didn't know it.

[greenamp]

Sell outs.

[analogika]

Who? FIFA?

The Germans had no say in this.

[OreoCookie]

The beer is the biggest disappointment so far … how could Germany do that to its guests?

[greenamp]

Joking aside, my guess is that FIFA's decision to use Bud as the official beer was more of a business choice aimed at the United States. If you can get a powerhouse like Bud supporting and advertising US Soccer, it helps the cause (In the States that is).

[zmcgill]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie

The beer is the biggest disappointment so far … how could Germany do that to its guests?

Did you not read the post above you?

[production_coordinator]

FYI, when I was in Wales... a good number of locals enjoyed Bud and Miller. I was actually disappointed because I was in the mood for an authentic pint. I ended up drinking Guinness...

Everyone has different tastes... sometimes I want a Guinness, sometimes I want a Stella, and sometimes I want a Miller Lite (I'm not a fan of Bud or Coors Light). I guess I enjoy different beers for different occasions.

[production_coordinator]

Originally Posted by greenamp

Joking aside, my guess is that FIFA's decision to use Bud as the official beer was more of a business choice aimed at the United States. If you can get a powerhouse like Bud supporting and advertising US Soccer, it helps the cause (In the States that is).

I'm guessing it was much more basic.

Bud (Anheuser-Busch) probably was willing to pay the most... because they wanted to promote their brand in Europe.

I doubt the FIFA was willing to take a lower bid from Anheuser-Busch... to promote soccer in the US... because that would make all that much sense.

[King Bob On The Cob]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Or Keystone!

Keystone is the best of the really cheap crappy American beers.

[Jens Peter]

Originally Posted by abe

74 Schumacher Alt 3.45 35 Altbier

All-time favorit, from when I lived in Düsseldorf...
Too bad about the 'Official Beer' thing - but I guess, as said by many others, its an agreement between Bud and FIFA....

[G4ME]

Heineken is now brewing AB Bud over there now, so the circle of life is complete.

[greenamp]

Originally Posted by Lateralus

If you Germans think Bud is bad (which it is), I'd love to see what you think of Milwaukee.

hahaha unleash The Beast!

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Mastrap

German beer has always used yeast, just the brewers didn't know it.

You're talking to a guy who makes beer.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by King Bob On The Cob

Keystone is the best of the really cheap crappy American beers.

Wrong! Three words: Miller High Life.

[residentEvil]

Originally Posted by Railroader

Wrong! Three words: Miller High Life.

the champagne of beer!

[SpaceMonkey]

Originally Posted by Gossamer

Eh...it's Germany. Every country's gotta be touchy about something.

Just don't mention the war.

[Goldfinger]

Originally Posted by residentEvil

the champagne of beer!

No it isn't. Deus is.

http://www.beermania.be/singlebeer.php?b_id=811
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...937810,00.html

Brewed in Buggenhout (Flanders) and matured in the Champagne region in France.

It's great. It's around €17 in the store.

[Railroader]

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

No it isn't. Deus is.

http://www.beermania.be/singlebeer.php?b_id=811
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...937810,00.html

Brewed in Buggenhout (Flanders) and matured in the Champagne region in France.

It's great. It's around €17 in the store.

IS TOO! It says so right on the can:


So there!