04/26/24
November 15, 2004
Blatter attacks clubs' 'trade in humans': He's at it again with another loopy rant. How did this man get elected and isn't there a way to get him out? Or does he have a reasonable point about the top teams losing their identity and local connections?
posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 01:38 PM - 3 comments
Or is this a form of reverse racism, trying to keep Africans and Asians out of the big money sides?
posted by billsaysthis at 03:01 PM on November 15, 2004
I think this is protectionist rubbish and reeks of all the crummy arguments that are made against free trade generally. Let the free market work its hoodoo voodoo. I guess one legitimate point to be made is that clubs may have an incentive to put an inferior product on the field so that they sell more kits in Japan, but teams selling out winning for profits is nothing new and manifests itself in all sorts of ways other than in increasing the global appeal of a club.
posted by holden at 05:56 PM on November 15, 2004
'If a London club has only a couple of English players in its first team squad, with the rest coming from half-a-dozen countries, I am sure I am not the only one who has a problem associating that club with its local area. 'It may well be that such a club appeals to spectators as far afield as Asia, South American and the U.S.. 'But what about the fan whose father and grandfather were season-ticket holders before him? Or the youngster who always dreamt of a career with his local club ? 'And what about the academy that is no longer in London, but Australia or Cameroon because it is supposedly cheaper to scout and develop local talent. 'What about the national team that, as a result, is deprived of players?' I agree with him wholeheartedly...