In the beginning of January 2008, Sepp Blatter [FIFA President] declared his “surprise” at England having another Non English Professional as Coach of Its National Team. Blatter also talked about the need to “Focus on Country Not Club”.  Premier League Boss Richard Scudamore has replied to Sepp Blatter by saying the Club and the Country are not mutually exclusive and that there exists a room for both. Mr. Scudamore further replied that the Football League and Football Association are in good health with an increase in attendance and interest. 

Mr. Scudamore presented the “Virtuous Circle of the Premier League” which shows the following:

1. Putting On The Best Possible Show.
2. Generation of Maximum Interest
3. Conversion of Interest Into Maximum Success
4. Balancing Social Responsibility with Fair Distribution of Revenues and Commercial Success.

 

He further accused Sepp Blatter of “tinkering with European and National Laws” and went further with this declaration: “If the law of the land says you are nationally qualified, you ARE nationally qualified, no matter what Mr Blatter says”. Mr. Scudamore also stated that voluntary quotas will fail. 

Richard Scudamore is right in telling Mr. Blatter about how Country and Club can coexist. I applaud Mr. Scudamore for his stance against Mr. Blatter. Mr. Blatter at the present time is out of touch with the reality of football. In the year 2007, he made the outrageous remark about football being played in heights interfering with the health of the footballer.  

He started the year 2008 by making statements about English Football that may have some valid points but others have been based on what transpired three decades ago. The time has come for Mr. Blatter to take a hard look, do a self assessment on his accomplishments and make preparations for a final retirement.  

Mr. Blatter may have good intentions but he is not in contact with the real world of football. We are living in the 21^st Century under a new set of rules and regulations which must be abided. We also have to work within this frame and globally in order to remain competitive in the sports arena.  

I would like to wish the best for English Football, and the Premier League. I would also like to thank Richard Scudamore for having the courage to stand up to Sepp Blatter. 

REFERENCE

Slater, Matt; BBC Sport: “Scudamore rejects Blatter plans”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7187355.stm