FIFA official slams Asian tours by European clubs.
Publié : 01 août 2005 20:08
Source : http://www.the-afc.com/english/media/de ... ewsID=3638
29 July 2005
MUNICH: FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi warned on Thursday that lucrative tours by European clubs to Asia could have an adverse effect on the national leagues of the countries they visit.
Currently, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are touring Asia in view of the region’s huge potential to promote their merchandise.
“The big leagues in Europe become popular in Asia but we get the feedback from the Asian countries looking to develop their leagues and they have problems. They need sponsorship income themselves but it is going to European clubs,” he said at a pre-World Cup conference here. “In some of the Asian countries they have to schedule their own matches to take into account the top European leagues, playing their games when there are no live broadcasts from European countries.”
“The big clubs are getting stronger and stronger and making life difficult for the smaller countries.”
Real are expected to earn over $25 million from their Asian tour.
“It is up to the clubs to decide how to use the non-match periods on the international calendar but those taking part in promotional tours should not then complain of over-exertion of their players.”
“If these rest periods are used for tours that can be useful for the club - it can create fan loyalty, it can be great, but I don't think this is so good for the preparation of the players,” Linsi said. “The clubs cannot complain about overtaxing their players and they can't say they don't want to release players (for international matches).”
29 July 2005
MUNICH: FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi warned on Thursday that lucrative tours by European clubs to Asia could have an adverse effect on the national leagues of the countries they visit.
Currently, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United are touring Asia in view of the region’s huge potential to promote their merchandise.
“The big leagues in Europe become popular in Asia but we get the feedback from the Asian countries looking to develop their leagues and they have problems. They need sponsorship income themselves but it is going to European clubs,” he said at a pre-World Cup conference here. “In some of the Asian countries they have to schedule their own matches to take into account the top European leagues, playing their games when there are no live broadcasts from European countries.”
“The big clubs are getting stronger and stronger and making life difficult for the smaller countries.”
Real are expected to earn over $25 million from their Asian tour.
“It is up to the clubs to decide how to use the non-match periods on the international calendar but those taking part in promotional tours should not then complain of over-exertion of their players.”
“If these rest periods are used for tours that can be useful for the club - it can create fan loyalty, it can be great, but I don't think this is so good for the preparation of the players,” Linsi said. “The clubs cannot complain about overtaxing their players and they can't say they don't want to release players (for international matches).”