Cloughie1975
John Robertson
Didn’t Cloughie describe the FA as a load of ‘odd bods’?
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Saudi Arabian Sportswashing Shenanigans
- Thread starter Project Zeus
- Start date
sammy the snake
Jack Armstrong
Man U
MaxiRobriguez
Bob McKinlay
With ownership comes financial responsibility: Either to cover operational costs directly or to turn the club into a profit-making enterprise.
Neither of those sides of the coin suit a 50+1 model in a nation which is dominated by the PL brand and associated costs of chasing that revenue because:
1) Fans are not wealthy enough to cover such costs.
2) Making a club profit-making is notoriously difficult to do when other clubs with deeper pockets outspend you.
The reality is moving to a 50+1 model will see the PL lose it's crown as the heartbeat of global football to the La Liga.
That might not be a bad thing from a fans POV, but if you're working at the FA/PL/PL clubs then you don't want the PL gravy train to stop any time soon, so no one's voting for it.
This is why it’s so popular here. Because it puts the fans first, not the „money men“.
FC Bayern‘s current hegemony and domination of the league is in part due to their shifty deal with Kirch Media Back in the 00s and their (world class) commercial exploitation of their Allianz Arena. They dominate because they have the most money.
Other than them, the Bundesliga is competitive - see the example of 1. FC Union Berlin, the former East German side were relative nobodies a few years ago but have climbed the divisions and this season qualified for the Champions League.
(There are a number amongst German fans who were just a little disappointed that the mooted European Super League never came to fruition as it might have gotten rid of FC Bayern!)
Apologies in advance for the dissertation below… but having opened up the sky sports app to read yet more and more big name stars either being linked (Son) or completing (Neves) moves to Saudi Arabia, I can’t help but think UEFA have a big decision to make. Obviously we know they can’t get involved because it’s a separate football governance in Saudi. But I’d be very surprised if we aren’t about to see the end of FFP. No club in Europe, staying within the lines of FFP, could afford to match the wages that Benzema, Messi, Ronaldo are now on. All box off players that help Champions League audiences and help keep UEFA’s showpiece as the most difficult and prestigious club competition to win. UEFA have a decision to make now that really will affect the future of football. Scrap FFP and let clubs spend at will so to keep up with the PIF owned teams (and be aware the likes of QPR, Stoke, Sunderland, etc with their billionaire owners will quickly rise if their owners are still keen) or keep the rules in place and lose a load more players that are money orientated, and weakening their product. I do like to over think scenarios but it feels like one way or another UEFA will need to loosen restrictions so clubs can retain their better players long term.
Bonalair
John Robertson
It’s like LIV is to golf though. Yes you get a load of money but unless you are an oldie going for a final payday it’s the equivalent of retiring
valspoodle
Steve Chettle
Even dumping FFP is not going to prevent the old boys going for the vast money on offer.
My thought is that at some point the Saudis are going to have to make a decision on just how much they can afford (yes, even that seemingly bottomless money bag will have a finite amount of money to chuck at the wall) before they realise that the money is only attracting retiring players for a last hurrah. The lure of good money and Champions League football and other silverware worth displaying in the trophy cabinet at home, is all absorbing to young lads.
The country itself is a really boring place with outmoded ideas and even the lure of money soon wears off when you're young, free and bursting to sow the wild oats and you're stuck between four walls in solitary for days at a time.
My thought is that at some point the Saudis are going to have to make a decision on just how much they can afford (yes, even that seemingly bottomless money bag will have a finite amount of money to chuck at the wall) before they realise that the money is only attracting retiring players for a last hurrah. The lure of good money and Champions League football and other silverware worth displaying in the trophy cabinet at home, is all absorbing to young lads.
The country itself is a really boring place with outmoded ideas and even the lure of money soon wears off when you're young, free and bursting to sow the wild oats and you're stuck between four walls in solitary for days at a time.
Ashley
Steve Chettle
Agree. This is just the Chinese Super League and the MLS all over again, except in a country which is dull and restrictive.
There may be the odd mercenary like Neves who goes over there in his prime years to make a quick buck, but most players in their prime will stay in Europe because they want to compete at the highest level, make their national teams squads and want to actually enjoy life rather being stuck in a country where a lot of the things young people like to do are either scarce, non-existent or in some cases outright forbidden.
I'm Red Till Dead
Stuart Pearce
LIV and the PGA are merging now aren't they - PGA LIV merger
Berkshire Red
Jack Armstrong
Seko Fofana is leaving Lens for Saudi Arabia soon. He's finally got a shot at the Champions League and he's giving it up for the money. Only 28 too.
The trend does seem to be mainly African players leaving though, perhaps it's a cultural thing. They will be mostly Muslim and more comfortable with the Saudi way of life.
Omar Devone Little
Mr Realistic
If they're anything like South American players they will have a whole entourage of people that they support financially.
I can remember Tim Vickery saying that if a young player in Brazil makes it to Europe it can often result in their entire extended family just giving up work etc just needing to be supported. Which can often result in players choosing more lucrative deals rather than the best one for their actual playing career. Suppose it would explain why so many went to China at its peak.
Rzar
Bob McKinlay
Everyone looks at it from our point of view and how we view things, to a Muslim - Saudi Arabia may likely feel more comfortable than Europe anyway.
It's why the whole "who would want to live in Saudi Arabia" argument is kind of stupid from that perspective.
Raymondo Ponte'
It's all about mid-table...
I wouldn't live there for all the tea in Botswana..
Alf-engelos Mindminackers
The Artiste formally known as "Wanksy"
Lots of money....but no girl-girl lesbian action.
Hard pass.
Hard pass.
Battered Sausage
Matchday Squad
Of course you do , you just have to use your imagination a bit
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Timothy Pope
I know that Nuno that I know that Nuno that I know
Of course you do , you just have to use your imagination a bit
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Full on lesbian gang bang
Alf-engelos Mindminackers
The Artiste formally known as "Wanksy"
Those wrists!Of course you do , you just have to use your imagination a bit
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Bob D'Imsen
Japanese Tourist
Of course you do , you just have to use your imagination a bit
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They're trannies, mate.
I saw that same picture on the Riyadh Crossdresser Association Facebook page.
Great bunch of lads.
DanR
Steve Chettle
First rule of Riyadh Crossdresser Association: Nobody mention Riyadh Crossdresser Association.
Redemption
One less gobshite...
Not sure about Suadi Arabia, but in Iran they favour men to be trans women than gay. Its a weird compromise, but it is what it is, Natalie.
Senior Flange Technician
Andy!
Well most transitioning was borne out of conversion therapy.
Rzar
Bob McKinlay
Project Zeus
Steve Chettle
Gerrard's finally found his level.
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Mercenary trash.
Rubics
Bin VAR!
He was never getting another prem job after the shit show at villa - cooper esq the turnaround with emery.