FIFA ruled(finally) today that clubs have to release U-23 players for the Olympics. Any other organization would have made up their mind more than a week ahead of the first game. It was only FIFA's incompetence at not putting the Olympics on the international calendar that left any doubt. Players will miss the start of the Premiership season(most of the other big leagues don't start until the end of August), but they'll also miss qualifiers for the UEFA Cup and Champions League. The delay was not only an inconvenience for teams trying to prepare, but also made life difficult for the players. Diego and Rafinha both left their German clubs without permission, and Barca seemed to have a tight hold on Messi's shirt while he tried to sidestep to Beijing. This has showed off the flaws of the international system: Tournaments occuring in the middle of seasons, inopportune qualifiers and the question of who is culpable if a player is injured while with the national team. The African Cup of Nations occurs during the middle of the European season, and Copa America during the middle of South America's season. Is Beckham expected to fly from LA to London for a qualifier, then back to America for a game, and then back to Zagreb for another qualifier? Rather than fight each other, it is in the best interest of clubs and countries to work together. Competitions like Euro Cup and the World Cup get fans excited for club competition(look at Bundesliga attendance since Germany hosted), and club football(soccer) keeps the skill level high and the drama last through the year. It would make sense to have large blocks of time set aside for qualifiers. The Bundesliga shuts down for a month during the winter, and between this time and when the players are off in the summer it seems like European qualifiers could be played. With all the money in football(soccer), the issue of who pays for an injury on national duty must be sorted out. While clubs acting like they own players has made the "slavery" issue appear, it should be remembered that they are paying the wages that have allowed them to live a comfortable lifestyle. With the money FIFA has made off international competitions they should be able to buy insurance. Man U could probably get them a deal with AIG.
There were a few moves around Europe today, but the biggest news is a non-move. It appears that Villa's deadline for a move for Barry has passed and that he will be staying with the club. I wouldn't bet a Canadian nickel on this being the final outcome, but as the Canadian nickel has appreciated that's not the statement it used to be. It appears Liverpool spent their kitty on Keane, and O'Neill doesn't want to wait for them to scrounge up the money. With the Premiership season nearly two weeks away, he wants to have his squad set and probably would not have enough time to find a suitable replacement. Tottenham started putting their Robbie Keane money to work by completing a £15million transfer for David Bentley. Rumors are that Arshavin may soon follow him to White Hart Lane. Roy Keane got a boost today when Steed Malbranque agreed to terms with Sunderland, but it seems that Kaboul would rather head to the coast with Portsmouth, we'll just have to see if they can meet Tottenham's valuation. It also appears Madrid are close completing a 10 million Euro deal for Hamburg's Rafael Van Der Vaart. Arsenal also signed Amaury Bischoff today on a free transfer from Werder Bremen.One Liners
- Rangers stumble to 0-0 draw, hope for better luck in Lithuania(is anyone ever lucky in Lithuania?)
- Bent nets hat trick in friendly, Robbie who?
- Trezeguet staying with Juve, somewhere Raymond Domenech is disinterested
- Petit makes big move to Cologne
- Vela, Wilshire and Bendtner all score in Nasri's debut for Gunners
