Jim SpearsAFC to take 39th Step
October 10th 2008 10:45
Mohamed Bin Hammam (Foto-Net)
Asian football continues to improve and with 2/3 of the world’s population Asia represents a profitable venue for European clubs. Bin Hammam has recognised this but wants more for Asia out of any proposed deal “We should be partners and know what is the benefit for us.” The concern is that Premier League clubs would build support for themselves and run away with the money and players leaving Asian leagues to flounder.
It seems that a junket has started with Bin Hammam in London ‘to see a presentation with Richard (Scudamore) about what the Premier League can do to help football in Asia and around the world.’ Like a Hollywood studio chasing bad money the English F.A. is being forced to woo the opposition.
Bin Hamman was originally dead-against the proposal revealing “We never head from the Premier League, directly or indirectly through messages, that they are going to play these 39 games outside their territories” Is it any wonder that confederations got the sh*ts and refused it? Not going through direct channels is understandable but successful diplomacy is built on back-channels and to not use them suggests, in Les Murray’s words, “Classic imperial arrogance”. Imperialism rests on terra nulla (No Man’s Land) a country is available for plunder if the locals have not reached a certain point of “development”. The MLS, A-League, J-League and C-League among others do not reach the European football ideal so we have reason to be concerned.
“Common interests of the continent” are paramount and Bin Hamman has revealed that Asia must get more from Europe than has historically been offered; “Until now, no Asian referees can take part in European football, even in the third level. By bringing our officials into their environment, these are things which will benefit us.” The best football writers in Australia, Michaels Lynch and Cockerill, have not written yet; Cockerill knows Asian football better than anyone in Australia and his insights will prove interesting as the 39th step takes a new turn, unfortunately you won't read 'em in the Herald anymore.
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