Few Horse Race: Is it Worth It?
“The Premier League is certainly making a lot of money, but don’t forget it is composed of four teams playing for the title and 16 teams playing not to be relegated. This is a fact.” The quote, attributable to FIFA president, Joseph ‘Sepp’ Blatter, is his take on the English Premier League’s plan to play an extra 39th match abroad. In just 40 minutes, Blatter called the proposal, first mooted by Richard Scudamore, current CEO of the FA Premier League, as a blatant attempt to continue raking even more revenue at the expense of such matters as the fate of club supporters and the health of players. He also made a swipe at Rupert Murdoch’s continued dominance of the worldwide TV soccer market, saying: “The wedding between TV and football has been profitable to football. But there must somewhere be a limit (sic).” Without the world’s soccer governing body’s support, the plan will die well over three years earlier than the intended kickoff in January 2011.
While generally agreeing with the sentiments, it’s perhaps ironic that Blatter’s remarks were made at FIFA’s £ 120 m, state-of-the-art headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, itself a monument to soccer-related opulence. It all makes you wonder if this is the classic kettle calling the pot black.
The average supporter’s pocket continues to come under assault from increased commercialism. They have to keep buying unaffordable tickets, buy food sold at club grounds, buy merchandise related to their club and any other promotional stuff. Meanwhile soccer stars continue to be pampered and spoilt, creating this mind-boggling gap with the supporters. No wonder today’s fans are so edgy and restless, easily frustrated by coaches and their teams. We’re making more money but losing the true soul of competitive sport - friendship, fan culture, true support of the club, the camaraderie that comes from joining up with fellow supporters, and such like related things. To FIFA and soccer federations, let’s come to our senses soonest possible. Let soccer and other sports return to Pierre Fredy, Baron de Coubertin’s ideal of, ”All sports for all people.” Added de Coubertin: “This is surely a phrase that people will consider foolishly utopian. The prospect troubles me not at all. I have pondered and studied it at length, and know that it is correct and possible.”
Give the true fans a break from all this money-mindedness and just let us enjoy the joga bonito.
