Club versus Country Feud Rages on As Blatter Switches Sides
Just before the 26th edition of the Cup of African Nations took off; the age old biennial Club v Country row which has become as much a feature of the tournament as the excitement it generates on the African Continent, flared up again. This year, the cacophony was deafening and it provided ample fodder for the chattering class in Europe especially England.
CAF has always insisted it will not move the tournament to June as has been demanded by European Clubs and has always had the backing of Sepp Blatter who considers himself as a friend of African football. This year’s noise was usual in all its forms until CAF and FIFA organized a press briefing prior to the opening ceremony on Saturday 14th January 2008. At that pres conference there was a significant change in the stance of the influential and all powerful FIFA presidents. He stated categorically that it will be better if the Nations Cup was shifted from January to July. This was the first time that Mr. Blatter, who is considered as a friend of Africa in Football circles, has openly called for the change in the timing of the African Football Fiesta.
This proposition was promptly and angrily rejected by the CAF president Issah Hayatou at the same platform. Mr. Hayatou made it plain and simple without any diplomatic nicecities that are mostly associated with such issues and personalities.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
G- 14 DISSOLVED!!
...... A New Dawn in Football Powerplay
This is a huge storm that did not announce or advertise its arrival. Early this year, in an extraordinary show of understanding and corporation, the group of 14 which consist of the biggest clubs in world football agreed with FIFA and UEFA to cease to exist. The event passed in a quietly without screaming headlines and long lines of commentary, but it one of the biggest acts in football since the Bossman Ruling. The G-14 was seen in football circles as the Enemy Number One of International football and its agreement wilth FIFA especially does more than raise eyebrows.
The G- 14 (consisting of powerful global football brands such as Manchester United, Real Madrid,AC Milan , Barcelona, Liverpool among others)was the most powerful grouping in terms of financial muscle and sheer influence and its lobbying posed a threat to the survival of International football. Their interests were diametrically opposed to the interests of International Football and actions such as their support to Charleroi in their battle against the Moroccan FA. The Sepp Blatter led FIFA was vocal in their opposition to their increasing influence in the global Game. Many battle lines were drawn and there was no love lost between the influential leaders. For them to agree to disband is a big boost to both FIFA and the ego of Mr. Blatter. Even though they do not exist anymore, the trend of football indicates that the ever-increasing commercialization of the game will mean G-14 in another guise will continue to jealously guard its commercial interests
This is a huge storm that did not announce or advertise its arrival. Early this year, in an extraordinary show of understanding and corporation, the group of 14 which consist of the biggest clubs in world football agreed with FIFA and UEFA to cease to exist. The event passed in a quietly without screaming headlines and long lines of commentary, but it one of the biggest acts in football since the Bossman Ruling. The G-14 was seen in football circles as the Enemy Number One of International football and its agreement wilth FIFA especially does more than raise eyebrows.
The G- 14 (consisting of powerful global football brands such as Manchester United, Real Madrid,AC Milan , Barcelona, Liverpool among others)was the most powerful grouping in terms of financial muscle and sheer influence and its lobbying posed a threat to the survival of International football. Their interests were diametrically opposed to the interests of International Football and actions such as their support to Charleroi in their battle against the Moroccan FA. The Sepp Blatter led FIFA was vocal in their opposition to their increasing influence in the global Game. Many battle lines were drawn and there was no love lost between the influential leaders. For them to agree to disband is a big boost to both FIFA and the ego of Mr. Blatter. Even though they do not exist anymore, the trend of football indicates that the ever-increasing commercialization of the game will mean G-14 in another guise will continue to jealously guard its commercial interests
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