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t3nt3x

Listed below are comments made by t3nt3x between Tuesday, 9th June 2009 and Thursday, 9th July 2009.

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Students force home rule issue 11:25am on 09 Jul 2009 A GB football team in the Olympics would not increase the risk of a UK team having to compete in all competitions in the future. Firstly, this would be against FIFA statutes, which would be extremely difficult for them to 'tear up' without reorganising the whole organisation which is unlikely due FIFA making to much money as it currently is.

The second, and perhaps most important reason is that in the unlikely event that FIFA proposed the abolition of the home nations' status, it would almost certainly get voted down. In order to change the status of the home nations, a two-thirds majority vote would be required in favour. The only way that such a majority could be reached would be for a significant number of UEFA nations to vote in favour of this. They would be highly unlikely to do so firstly, because there is no desire within UEFA nations for this to happen. Secondly, most countries in Europe would rather have a 'disunited kingdom' to compete against as it means four nations from the same area will undoubtedly be weaker than one team from all (Even if it would be English dominated - I say that sadly as a proud Scot).

However, the most important reason is that were the UK forced to combine within FIFA then UEFA would lose a guaranteed seat on the FIFA executive committee. Power and influence all comes down to votes. Ask yourselves why UEFA would support a motion that would decrease its influence in the game? The simple answer is that they wouldn't - Turkeys don't vote for Xmas, as we're often told.

It is also worth bearing in mind that in all previous sessions and meetings of the FIFA executive committee, the status of the home nations has never even been raised, let alone debated.

Don't misunderstand me, there are lots of nations within FIFA, particularly in Africa and Asia who may support this but the palpable danger posed to the Home Nations does not exist outwith those federations. As usual, some elements of the media, and particularly some political figures are attempting to shock people for their own ends. A one-off GB football team at the Olympics would not cause any lasting harm.

p.s. More information about votes within FIFA etc. can be found in some of Keir Radnedge's articles for World Soccer Magazine. I'd quote them if I could find them online.
Turned off by the girl power 12:13pm on 02 Jul 2009 As a born and bred Scot, I really wish that some of my compatriots would stop repeating this nonsense that he's Scottish when he's losing and British when he's winning on UK TV. This simply does not happen. If it ever does, in those rare occasions, it is a simple error - let it go guys. The only time I have heard Andy Murray referred to as 'Scottish' on BBC coverage of Wimbledon has been when he is winning. As much as I love Scotland, a small minority's attitudes towards the English is embarrassing. Can we not concentrate on his performances?

On the subject of the blog, I feel that the author makes some valid points although I don't like the style, and have never found it to be amusing.
Milan to Madrid via Manchester 1:10pm on 09 Jun 2009 May I retract part of my last statement from post 72. It was still possible to conduct transfers in pesetas at the time of Zidane's transfer to Real. I don't know if this was the case, or not, but if so it would change the valuation, and Kaka would be the most expensive player. I stand by the rest of the post though! :D
Milan to Madrid via Manchester 1:05pm on 09 Jun 2009 One point worth mentioning here, is that this transfer reflects the predictions of many economists, in that the 'purchasing power' of Premiership clubs has declined significantly due to the fall in the value of Sterling vs the Euro. While the Premiership will no doubt spend more money in absolute terms than ever before this summer, it is important to remember that Sterling is simply no longer worth what it used to be. This impacts not only on how much player you get for your money, but also some players who joined Premiership clubs just prior to the financial crisis have effectively taken wage cuts of around 30% (This is of course, if they did not get a large wage rise by moving to England)

I think that this transfer displays a small rebalancing of European football finance. While the Premiership will still vastly outspend other leagues, Real and any European club operating using the Euro i.e. every major nation has gained from the devaluation of the Pound. Bear in mind alos, that this is not the most expensive transfer ever in terms of the currency it was paid in (Zidane was around 75M Euros at the time), only in Sterling.

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