By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever seen

[Twodogs]

I can't believe that the FFA have said 'no' to the EPL and there wont be a Premier League played in Australia.


Who does that benefit? The AFL must be laughing and dancing in the street. I've decided that Ben Buckley is just an AFL stooge.

[hujsh]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

If there is EPL action in Australia it will deteriorate A-League crowds and make our competition look much worse.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Hopefully Campbell Rose won't leave to head up the consortium now.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

I agree Twodogs, tho I think the decision was more to fall into line with Asia, so we can count on their support if/when we bid for the World Cup.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Did they give a reason?

[Twodogs]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

If there is EPL action in Australia it will deteriorate A-League crowds and make our competition look much worse.

Then we improve the local product not hide behind the couch and shit ourselves.

I agree Twodogs, tho I think the decision was more to fall into line with Asia, so we can count on their support if/when we bid for the World Cup.

Yeah because they're practically lining up to support us ATM.

Did they give a reason?

Yep. They're cowards who sleep with the light on.

[LostDoggy]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

I don't think its that stupid and I can see why they doing it.

If new football fan has limited money but has the choice whether to go see the EPL game or A-league game. EPL would be first choice because of the quality.

When you are spoilt with the best you won't go see the local stuff. The league is only 3 years old and I can see why they are protecting it.

[The Underdog]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Aren't they playing one game and not moving the whole competition over here.
Surely giving people the opportunity to see teams from a top tier competition may actually help to create interest in the sport as a whole. I'm with Twodogs on this, a selfish decision with no real respect for spectators. How many people are going to stop going to watch the Victory because they have the opportunity to see Wigan vs Sunderland (or some such contest) ONCE.
Have some balls FFA.

[GVGjr]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Let me ask a few questions.

When the LA Galaxy came over for a game or two against an A-League side was it endorsed by the FFA?

What would the FFA get out of an EPL game being played here? Does it benefit the local league?

Would an A-League game be able to be scheduled as the curtain raiser to the EPL game?

[hujsh]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Then we improve the local product not hide behind the couch and shit ourselves.

I doubt it would be that easy. Especially with salary caps.

[LostDoggy]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

I've read the articles on why the FFA should shut the door on the EPL idea but i'm just not sold. When the Galaxy came over it got me interested in the A-League again. Maybe because it was free to air. But still for the next few weeks i went hunting around the pubs to watch A-League matches. Then when Victory's season was pretty much dusted i lost interest again.

So ok i'm not a massive soccer fan, but i do enjoy the sport and with matches like the EPL played in Australia i'd go along for the ride. I think it would give soccer a huge boost. The next Ballack might be in the crowd and decide to take up soccer the next day.

Anyway, i think its a little short sighted to block the idea so quickly.

[LostDoggy]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

Let me ask a few questions.

When the LA Galaxy came over for a game or two against an A-League side was it endorsed by the FFA?

Yes it was as they played against 2 A-league sides which what the difference is. The FFA are happy for this to happen.

What would the FFA get out of an EPL game being played here? Does it benefit the local league?

Think this is their view. They don't believe it does.

Would an A-League game be able to be scheduled as the curtain raiser to the EPL game?

I'm not sure about the logistics of this. 4 different sets of fans in one stadium. I doubt it would happen.

[LostDoggy]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

BTW Most of the EPL season coincides with the A-league season, if it was at a time when the A-league wasn't on I think it would be easier.

[Topdog]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

I applaud the decision of the FFA. The EPL playing a ridiculous game here once a season does no good for anybody and certainly no good for the FFA. Seeing as the game will be played at the same time that our season is on, are the EPL going to compensate the FFA for the loss of revenue. No of course not, in fact they want the FFA to pay them money for the privilege.

Much like the rest of the World is doing I am proud we are telling them to **** off.

[Topdog]

Re: By a large margin the stupidest most short sighted sporting decision I have ever

It was also great to see FIFA shoot down this ludicrus (sp?) proposal.