Matthew Hall
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The 39th Game Asks 39 Questions
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has made some interesting suggestions during his often controversial tenure. Shutting down the Premier League's international incursion, however, was a piece of common sense.
Blatter's list of previous crazy ideas includes widening goalposts to increase the number of goals in a game and a suggesting that female players wear tighter shorts.
So his unequivocal "no" to the Premier League's expansion plans was shock of sensibility. It is, however, heavily weighted by politics. Blatter is in power because of support from smaller federations around the world. A political animal, Blatter knows that you never bite the hand that feeds. Suggesting that England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup bid might come under threat was also a slick bit of maneuvering.
Interestingly, the genesis for the Premier League's plan to play an extra round (the so-called "39th game", randomly drawn, and hosted by international cities) came from Melbourne.
Sir Rod Eddington, the boss of Victorian Major Events, planted the seed with the Premier League last year. Melbourne was the initial host city. The weed grew and, indelicately, flowered 10 days ago.
Those for the idea: the Premier League; Premier Leagues accountants; armchair fans who live on the other side of the world, like Australia; Some clubs, mostly Premier League bottom feeders in search of extra income.
Those against the idea: Most of the top clubs; English-based fans; British media; National associations; International confederations; many coaches.
One thing is clear. The 39th game proposal has kicked up a lot of questions. Here are some of mine.
It's your round...
1. Should domestic products - the A-League, J-League, Major League Soccer - be protected from colonial excursions?
2. Does the Premier League really threaten the viability of local leagues?
3. If you are a fan of Man United, why not go to Manchester and watch them play?
4. Why are you a fan of Chelsea when you live in Sydney?
5. Why don't you support your local team?
6. Are people in Wangaratta really fans of Wigan?
7. If they are, why?
8. Does any team beside Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool really generate interest outside of the UK?
9. Would Derby versus Sunderland sell out Homebush Stadium?
10. Are football clubs about local communities or global brands?
11. If you're a Manchester United supporter who lives in Gosford, do you have a season ticket for Central Coast Mariners?
12. If not, why not?
13. What's the difference between the AFL playing a game in Dubai and the Premier League playing a game in Melbourne?
14. And what about that rugby league match they had in Florida?
15. Are 39 games too many for players to be involved in anyway?
16. Why is the English league looking to extend their competition when FIFA and UEFA are asking for the top leagues to trim the number of games?
17. Why is the English Premier League so popular in Australia?
18. Is it all about television?
19. If it is, do you stay up until 4am to watch live games?
20. Are you mad?
21. Is it possible you don't have a life or are you simply dedicated?
22. Did you know a ticket to see Arsenal play one of the top three teams at their own stadium can have a face value of over $200?
23. Did you know a face value ticket for Middlesbrough can cost over $70?
24. Have you ever seen a Serie A match?
25. Have you ever seen a game in Spain?
26. Have you ever been to a live match in Europe?
27. How do you get from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford?
28. Without using the Internet, can Liverpool fans explain what Stanley Park is?
29. Does this idea to take Premier League matches overseas mean the game is dead - or very much alive?
30. Is it even possible to get a ticket for a Chelsea home game?
31. Is a football match about the spectacle on the pitch - or off it?
32. Would Chelsea fans at the MCG create their own homegrown atmosphere, imitate Stamford Bridge, or recreate the atmosphere of a library?
33. If Liverpool plays in the Middle East, will Yossi Benayoun be allowed into certain countries with his Israeli passport?
34. Can anyone who watched Chelsea v Liverpool last weekend seriously say that was a good game?
35. Why is it that Australia, the USA, Singapore, China, and the Middle East are considered as venues but not Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria?
36. Isn't funny that Arsenal already plays in "The Emirates"?
37. If it's so difficult for players to travel around the world for a World Cup qualifier why is it all of a sudden so easy for them to do for a hypothetical club game?
38. Was Football Federation Australia right to suggest we don't want any of the games in Australia?
39. Finally, why do we care so much?
COMMENTS
I think point number 39 raises the most significant issue - why is the whole world so bothered by such a simple idea? It's certainly generated a lot of media fuss and criticism; if it goes ahead, good for the fans, if not, good for the critics. Someone loses either way.
- by Jason on February 17, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Question number 10 is the most important and I believe it highlights a very real fact, that football and indeed sport in general is becoming a global "brand" marketed to an international audience. Yes it's crazy that we have die hard Man U (et al) fans here who could probably tell you all about the busby babes and yet fail to nominate sydney FC's number two keeper. Many of which have probably never attended an Aleague game or an EPL match but the fact remains these people are still fans of their respective english club teams. Are they any less of a fan than the average english yob who spends two thirds of his yearly wage on a season ticket? The EPL is the most watched league in the world it is beemed into homes, pubs and even street tv sets (bangkok for example) all the way around the world shouldn't these fans be given the opportunity to truly "support" their team? Of course the 39th round proposal reeks of greed and moneymaking possibilities, but that is what the EPL clubs and the sport in general has become a brand that is sold around the world of which the players are merely the latest models for the brand's latest design - easily replaced or bought and sold. So why don't we let the EPL take the first step into what will eventually become a world super league, where people support their local "club" by deciding who has the best designed microfibre antisweat jerseys and of course the best players!
- by IsawClaytonZanecore@NSoval on February 17, 2008 at 07:02 AM
All that Effort Matt, & I am the 3rd to rply with a comment.
Hmmm, perhaps thats the message.
Australia doesnt seem to Care.
Personaly & on a selfish note, being an expat from the Uk
Commonsense suggests though, that is a really silly idea.
P.s Hope the Roar do well tonight in a league we really do seem toc are about.
P.s.s Further Great news on Jets v Roar Match being shown Live in the UK,
- by Matt M on February 17, 2008 at 08:06 AM
In my family my husband and son support Leeds, my other two sons support Manchester United, another son supports Liverpool, and I don't support any particular team but have a soft spot for Everton and Sunderland. We all have a local team we support which is Syd FC, (If their was a western suburbs team we would support that). We would watch Derby v Sunderland, or Wigan or any other EPL team. We haven't seen a game overseas, as we can't afford to go there. I think we could get some good crowds, like Syd FC v Galaxy, lets face it the crowd was there to see Beckham. The games are not always the best in the EPL but the standard overall is better than the A League, and always will be, because the best players in their peak go to Europe to play, and that will never change, it would be nice to see some superstars play out here in their prime, but hasn't the idea been killed off already?
- by d on February 17, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Sport is global end of story. It is global or death, and the NFL is smart enough to work it out. There will eventually be a super football league. The premier league is postioning itself to take over. The money is American (mostly American owners and sponsors), and the rest is European. That is life for good or bad.
- by Pete on February 17, 2008 at 10:25 AM
My father loved football and I grew up watching it with him. We lived outside of the city so going to NSL games wasn't an option, we watched the local first grade team play after I'd had a kick if my Mum didn't want to get going.
In the early 90's I was drawn to Tottenham Hotspur by their exciting players & play. Plus I always liked an underdog .
Funnily enough my father in law (since 1997) is from Tottenham and had mates that kicked around with the Yid Army in the 70's and 80's, hearing all this folk-lore first hand galvanized my support for the team and yes I come home from the pub at 2am to watch them play if the pub isn't showing it. I read message boards and watch You Tube video's of the terrace chants and laugh at the many ways to accuse Arsene Wenger of indiscretions with children.
I go to 80% of Sydney FC home matches, despite the often poor play and refereeing, and sing my heart out to watch some poorly disciplined football with moments of mediocre brilliance.
Yet my love of football draws me to the most exciting league in the world. Spain is OK, Italy YAAAAAWN and the dutch/ german leagues never get televised enough... I like fast, rough British football - just like I like the clean variety & quality of Coles as opposed to the dusty corner store in my 'local' area , it's probably it's less ethical - but I too am a slave to consumerism and choice, and I don't know many who aren't.
That said, I have no real desire to see an EPL game played in Australia. When I'm in Europe I pay top dollar to see the Lilywhites score some early goals and then let a few in... And I cheer and sigh as fervently as any North Londoner.
- by hesh on February 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Phil Jacobs....Do what we do best in Australia, support the team that wins.
- by Mark on February 17, 2008 at 02:44 PM
spot on mate
- by ozzyintheusa on February 17, 2008 at 06:59 PM
some of the questions that have been mentioned i have always asked myself. Why does one support chelsea or man utd. when they live here in Aus? most would say because the quality is better in the premier league. Well its sad because they only seem to back their team on the couch or a pub, and by buying few merchandise products. Sad how they dont support their local team or where they ACTUALLY BELONG TO! These are those bandwagoners that were probably at Stadium Australia on the eve when Australia qualified for the world cup and didnt even have an Aussie jersey. So they went in their Man utd/arsenal/chelsea gear. Then at the end act as theyve followed football in australia all their lives then turn around and talk low of the A-League. I say these are the exact people the EPL are trying to target to get the $$.
The reason why EPL games are not held in Latin america is because no one will go. And if there was a turn up, fans would be mocking the match by turning up in their OWN team colours and chanting songs about THEIR team! They would take it as an insult which is what i think the FFA should take it as, the EPL insulting Australian football.
No external leagues should be played in another country. If clubs want to travel do so by playing exhibition matches, entering internatonal tournaments e.g. the Pacific cup being played in Hawaii which Sydney FC is involved in.
Thank god the FFA and the AFC have expressed the right opinions and have gone against it!!!!
- by andrew on February 17, 2008 at 11:06 PM
in regards to q 9, I have to agree, I wouldnt want to watch Derby play anybody. In regards to q 13, I think there is a big difference between the AFL in Dubai and the Premier League in Melbourne, being that Australian rules football is currently only limited to an Australian market and the long term expansion of the brand globally makes sense in the interests of the growth of the game. While the same opportunities do exist in the soccer market, in, say, Australia and the US, global expansion is no where near as important for soccer as it is for the AFL as soccer already has its fair slice of the pie.
Finally, in regards to q 17, the quality of the Premier League is infinitely higher than the local leagues. In every game a show of skill is on show that you can not go down to your local soccer oval and see. I have watched high school soccer games that had higher skill levels and much lower error rates than the A-League.
- by James on February 18, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Matthew, most of your inane questions make as much sense as the tripe you perpetrate on the readers (if any) of your column in the Sun Herald. I can't believe that you actually get paid for the, mostly negative, rubbish you write.
Happy Valentine's Day! MH
- by Peter F on February 18, 2008 at 10:44 AM
as a west hame supporter i take offense at question 8. there are a few of us in this country as well. i love the idea of being able to watch two premier league teams play in this country but could as easily swallow it as a pre season game.
- by Mikael Austin on February 18, 2008 at 10:54 AM
1. Yes
2. Not truly but it would annoy the local clubs if the EPL games get higher attendence even if it's their bottom two clubs playing.
3. It's extremely expensive
4. While not a fan of Chelsea, I am a fan of Manchester United. The reason is my dad is from there.
5. I do support them.
6. It's possible but unlikely.
7. You'd have to ask them.
8. Not a significant amount. I know a few Leeds and Derby fans.
9. No.
10. Man U - global, Bristol Rovers - local
11. I wouldn't have thought many would have the season ticket.
12. They're too busy saving up to see a game at Old Trafford :)
13. More people will turn up in Melbourne.
14. I'd forgotten about that....
15. No, considering all of the cup and euro games they're already playing.
16. To make more money
17. Many English heritage, and it's the best english-speaking competition (to avoid arguments over Serie A, Spain, etc).
18. These days, unfortunately yes.
19. I don't get Foxtel, unfortunately. But I would stay up for the midnight games but not the 4am ones.
20. Not as mad as some.
21. I wouldn't like to see my free time if I did have Foxtel
22. Yes
23. Yes
24. Not a full one (and it was on TV)
25. No
26. No
27. Follow the signs - literally. I did this a couple of years ago. The funny part was the hotel I was in was near Man City's ground.
28. I'm not a Liverpool fan :)
29. Neither.
30. Which year would you like it for?
31. A lot of both. One wouldn't be the same without the other.
32. Half way between. It would mostly depend on who they were playing. Chelsea vs Man U would be a spectacle. Chelsea vs Fulham would be closer to a library.
33. It would depend on the middle eastern country but quite a few might not let him in and others might make an exception.
34. I'm sure someone does...
35. Because the FA believe EPL will be able to make money there.
36. No, it isn't.
37. It's not. Only the FA seem to think it's easy.
38. Yes
39. Because we can.
- by elephino on February 18, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Well look at me, I'm going to answer all 39.
1. Should domestic products - the A-League, J-League, Major League Soccer - be protected from colonial excursions?
Each league should decide for themselves.
2. Does the Premier League really threaten the viability of local leagues?
It could possibly generate more interest in the round ball game.
3. If you are a fan of Man United, why not go to Manchester and watch them play?
Newcastle United, and not a big enough fan.
4. Why are you a fan of Chelsea when you live in Sydney?
Supporting Chelsea, living in Sydney. Could life get any more hollow? FWIW this question is NA
5. Why don't you support your local team?
If Melbourne Victory counts (and not Springvale White Eagles) then I do
6. Are people in Wangaratta really fans of Wigan?
Who knows...?
7. If they are, why?
Maybe some of them come from Wigan? Or others have a relative who played for them once upon a time
8. Does any team beside Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United and Liverpool really generate interest outside of the UK?
Leeds used to, with their Aussie players. Newcastle United has a lot of support.
9. Would Derby versus Sunderland sell out Homebush Stadium?
Probably.
10. Are football clubs about local communities or global brands?
Brands.
11. If you're a Manchester United supporter who lives in Gosford, do you have a season ticket for Central Coast Mariners?
NA
12. If not, why not?
NA
13. What's the difference between the AFL playing a game in Dubai and the Premier League playing a game in Melbourne?
They're just as bad as each other.
14. And what about that rugby league match they had in Florida?
Waste of time
15. Are 39 games too many for players to be involved in anyway?
It should be even. The extra game could really decide UEFA Cup and Champions League spots
16. Why is the English league looking to extend their competition when FIFA and UEFA are asking for the top leagues to trim the number of games?
Ask them
17. Why is the English Premier League so popular in Australia?
Cultural ties to England, same language as well.
18. Is it all about television?
A lot of it is about the extent to which it is reported compared to other leagues. So yes, in a way...
19. If it is, do you stay up until 4am to watch live games?
Once a year maybe
20. Are you mad?
NA
21. Is it possible you don't have a life or are you simply dedicated?
NA
22. Did you know a ticket to see Arsenal play one of the top three teams at their own stadium can have a face value of over $200?
Yes
23. Did you know a face value ticket for Middlesbrough can cost over $70?
Yes
24. Have you ever seen a Serie A match?
No
25. Have you ever seen a game in Spain?
Ask me this question again in December and the answer will be yes, i've been to several
26. Have you ever been to a live match in Europe?
Does a local team count?
27. How do you get from Manchester city centre to Old Trafford?
Using public transport I presume
28. Without using the Internet, can Liverpool fans explain what Stanley Park is?
...
29. Does this idea to take Premier League matches overseas mean the game is dead - or very much alive?
Very much greedy
30. Is it even possible to get a ticket for a Chelsea home game?
Put your kidneys on the market and you'll find out
31. Is a football match about the spectacle on the pitch - or off it?
Message to Telstra Dome : BOTH!
32. Would Chelsea fans at the MCG create their own homegrown atmosphere, imitate Stamford Bridge, or recreate the atmosphere of a library?
It'd be a faint echo of SB
33. If Liverpool plays in the Middle East, will Yossi Benayoun be allowed into certain countries with his Israeli passport?
They'd probably make an exception
34. Can anyone who watched Chelsea v Liverpool last weekend seriously say that was a good game?
Didn't see it
35. Why is it that Australia, the USA, Singapore, China, and the Middle East are considered as venues but not Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria?
All the countries on the former list are starved of top class footbal leagues. Nigeria is unstable and poor.
36. Isn't funny that Arsenal already plays in "The Emirates"?
Hi-larious
37. If it's so difficult for players to travel around the world for a World Cup qualifier why is it all of a sudden so easy for them to do for a hypothetical club game?
Ridiculous, innit
38. Was Football Federation Australia right to suggest we don't want any of the games in Australia?
They were right to suggest that THEY don't want any of the games...
39. Finally, why do we care so much?
"Football isn't a matter of life and death. It's much more important than that."
- by Jonk on February 18, 2008 at 01:02 PM
In regards to 13/14, those are out of competition pre-season games. May European teams play such pre-season tournaments in Asia (I know there was one with Liverpool, Portsmouth and a couple of Asian teams before the current EPL season) and the FFA have brought up the idea of trying to spice up the A-League's pre-season by inviting some international teams in like that.
I think that is totally fine, doing pre-season tours like that for warm ups. But playing competition games is another story. Apart from anything else, what if the EPL was decided by a point, say with Man U winning the 39th game against Wigan, while Arsenal drew their 39th game against Chelsea or something like that.
I think you can't really have a first past the post (ie no finals) competition without it being even home and away against all teams, which they have at the moment.
I had a season ticket to Sydney FC this year, and most likely will next year also. Seriously it is mostly because I want to support the sport in this country, hoping for it to improve in standard rather than because of the quality of play we have had to this point.
The NSL never grabbed me, I couldn't bring myself to follow it, but when the A-League came along I really wanted to support it.
I am also a Liverpool fan. I've got up many mornings to watch Champions League matches, but I'm not about to get cable so I can watch EPL games in the middle of the night.
I would love the experience someday of watching Liverpool play at home (ie the new stadium at Stanley park once it's built if I ever go to England, as it's impossible to purchase tickets to Anfield! Although, they may well sell the new stadium out in season tickets too!) and if they played a match in Sydney, I'd definitely go, but I'm still against the idea. I'd much prefer to see them play Sydney FC in a pre-season tournament, (hmmm... suddenly a clash of teams I support) than see them play an EPL match here.
- by Chris on February 18, 2008 at 01:21 PM
4. Why are you a fan of Chelsea when you live in Sydney?
Because the standard of football in Australia isn't worth watching. Its actually funny to watch the 'highlights' of the A-League, then compare them to the premier league.
- by Barry on February 18, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Frank Lowry and the FFA want every one to have their own league and play it in their own country. However we seem to be more than happy to have Australian players playing in other people's countries. Smacks of hypocracy to me.
- by Stephen Smith on February 18, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I thought it was a great concept and I'm disappointed it has been canned. I'm mystified as to how a one off match (or even a match a season) would undermine the A-league, or any other league for that matter. Surely the league isn't that fragile.
I'm season ticket holder @ Sydney FC, and I used to even subject myself to the NSL. I'm not down on the standards of the league - I thnk it's generally not bad and still improving - but for mine it's probably around the standard of lower championship/top of Div 1. Last year I went and saw Villa away to Fulham - not a sexy game by any standard, but I was really suprised by the pace of play and quality. Based on that I'd happily shell out to go see Derby v Sunderland - it doesn't matter how loyal one is to the local comp, EPL is a couple of steps up on what we see here week in week out.
I just see the whole thing as an oppotunity lost. It might have been a great chance to attract new fans to the game
- by GregP on February 18, 2008 at 02:36 PM
First of all, why do they need a ball at all?? I mean really, it would be better if they just all spent 90 minutes running around the pitch in Speedos for 90 minutes. THEN football could be unisex! No pressure, I just like toast.
- by Rufus The Cat formerly known as on February 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
And another thing. How do they keep the beams out? Would the umpires mind if they had tin foil on their heads while they were scoring ON the goalie (even their own)?
- by Rufus The Cat formerly known as on February 18, 2008 at 05:22 PM
I live in Sydney and support Inter Milan simply because i want to support a club thats big on the world stage. In the world cup i support Australia but like most Australians i have a second team which is Argentina but when it comes to the UEFA Champions League which is my favourite football event Inter Milan is my team because they have some pretty awsome Argentinians like Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz, Esteban Cambiasso and of course the captain Javier Zanetti.
PS- AC Milan & Juventus suck, they are cheats !!!
- by Robbie on February 19, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Why do the best players in the world want to play there soccer in England where it rains all the time or play in a third world country like Italy when Australia is one of the best countries in the world to live in and our soccer standard is getting very competitive ?
- by Sydney FC fan on February 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
the question that i want to be answered is who is the 39-40yr old soccer player who is still playing and played in the champions league in the Arsenal game this morning ? I heard it on CNN Sports on TV.
Anyone know ?
Paolo Maldini. MH
- by 39-40 yr old on February 21, 2008 at 12:31 PM
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Ive been to a match in both England and Italy. I live in Sydney and support 3 teams.. Liverpool, Inter Milan and Sydney FC. The question i have to ask myself is who will i support on Wednesday when Liverpool play Inter Milan in the Champions League ?