comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 weak b4 season start is pre-season traynin u utter utter chidrule
Players wud all get injure u stoopid
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 9 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 weak b4 season start is pre-season traynin u utter utter chidrule
Players wud all get injure u stoopid
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s a guarantee they will get injured is it - good one 4za
Qualifying should be about 4 games these days given how many teams qualify - group A England, Scotland, San Marino. Play each other home and away over 3 weeks. England win the group and qualify automatically, San Marino come second and go into the play offs. Simples
Back on topic, the World Club tourney is now a protracted load of bollox.
I have no intention of going and I will only watch games involving my club.
Of coatse they wud get injure
No prr-season fitness trainin strate intoo compytishun
Ur knot v brite r u?
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest looking at it this way:
The financial imbalances in the modern game mean that paying fans of the big leagues are pampered silly week in week out because a comparatively small number of clubs get to hog virtually all of the available top talent, while probably hundreds of millions of football fans worldwide have been priced out of being able to watch them.
Almost every country, however, shows its own national sides free to air, and gives millions of people the opportunity that they would otherwise be denied to watch their top talents. Surely 38 rounds of fixtures, plus cup and international club competitions, is more than enough to stop moaning about a few weeks during which others less fortunate get a glimpse of some of their favourite footballers in action.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 41 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest looking at it this way:
The financial imbalances in the modern game mean that paying fans of the big leagues are pampered silly week in week out because a comparatively small number of clubs get to hog virtually all of the available top talent, while probably hundreds of millions of football fans worldwide have been priced out of being able to watch them.
Almost every country, however, shows its own national sides free to air, and gives millions of people the opportunity that they would otherwise be denied to watch their top talents. Surely 38 rounds of fixtures, plus cup and international club competitions, is more than enough to stop moaning about a few weeks during which others less fortunate get a glimpse of some of their favourite footballers in action.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m fine with that in concentrated spells - just don’t make it every 3 weeks for the first 9 weeks of the season.
Do those fans love meaningless friendlies? I doubt it
We’ve just had a whole summer of international football free to air - Euro’s, Copa for the South Americans and Olympics. Now we’re stopping the good stuff for this watered down shiete again.
Dodgy stick usage is going through the roof - less fortunate fans can watch every game going for about £40 a year these days. Plus the viewing figures for the Prem are astronomical so these fans are watching anyway.
I’m not saying get rid of international football altogether, I am saying get shot of international friendlies and the Nation league and cut down on international qualifiers - then concentrate those qualifiers into a 3 or 4 week window so we can get the schitt out of the way before the actual entertainment begins.
But FiFA and UEFa like burning the candle at both ends - we now have a 32 team club World Cup in one of the “off summers” starting this summer and the next iteration of the World Cup has 16 additional sides and will take 5 and a half weeks to complete - where will this madness end?
IOAG makes a very good point there.
I’d also add, although this is anecdotal, that it’s only Prem fans that loath internationals, lower league supporters love it. Many reasons for that I guess.
I love International football, I just think there’s too much football and I don’t think it helps the spectacle as an entertainment if players are tired.
The Nations League can get in the bin though. It’s convoluted and draining. Just get rid of International friendlies. If you have to blood new players and tactics in competitive games then so be it, it’s not the end of the world.
I think the IB at the start of the domestic season is the one that really pizzes most people off.
I don't mind breaks in November or February.
comment by Robbing Hoody - keepy up arbiter. Don’t talk to me unless you can do ten (U6374)
posted 42 minutes ago
IOAG makes a very good point there.
I’d also add, although this is anecdotal, that it’s only Prem fans that loath internationals, lower league supporters love it. Many reasons for that I guess.
I love International football, I just think there’s too much football and I don’t think it helps the spectacle as an entertainment if players are tired.
The Nations League can get in the bin though. It’s convoluted and draining. Just get rid of International friendlies. If you have to blood new players and tactics in competitive games then so be it, it’s not the end of the world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Why would lower league fans mind - their leagues keep playing and they get the international footy - double bubble for them.
We get England fresh off a euros final playing Ireland - this might be the least interesting match between England and Ireland ever, we’re starting a new chapter and will likely put out a patch side whilst Ireland are currently craaaap.
Meanwhile, the Prem which has started well again has just had a very exciting weekend but we have to break
@Strike
What's meaningless to you may very well not be meaningless to them, so yeah, I suppose that for people who might only get to see their national teams play a dozen or so times a year, every fixture can be a special occasion - especially if they're from one of the many countries who don't have a chance in hell of making a major tournament.
Furthermore, saying that less fortunate fans getting to watch footy for less than 40 quid seems oblivious to the fact that billions worldwide barely have any disposable income whatsoever. I also think you're confusing the number of people who the PL says "follows the league" (1.87, their claim) with actual viewing figures. The aforementioned figure -whether fantastical or not- refers to fans who 'interact with the PL through the media'. That's very different to getting to watch actual matches.
I do agree, however, on your final point about the governing bodies (as well as the private leagues and individual clubs, let's not forget) cramming too many matches into the schedule - but much of that is being done by adding club matches that will also largely be accessible only via subscription services, so it isn't going to be to the advantage of those who can't afford to watch anyway.
@Robbing - I actually like the Nations League, as the format offers teams the opportunity to play competitive games against sides of a similar level, rather than just taking part as the whipping boys in the qualifying groups for major competitions.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 15 minutes ago
@Strike
What's meaningless to you may very well not be meaningless to them, so yeah, I suppose that for people who might only get to see their national teams play a dozen or so times a year, every fixture can be a special occasion - especially if they're from one of the many countries who don't have a chance in hell of making a major tournament.
Furthermore, saying that less fortunate fans getting to watch footy for less than 40 quid seems oblivious to the fact that billions worldwide barely have any disposable income whatsoever. I also think you're confusing the number of people who the PL says "follows the league" (1.87, their claim) with actual viewing figures. The aforementioned figure -whether fantastical or not- refers to fans who 'interact with the PL through the media'. That's very different to getting to watch actual matches.
I do agree, however, on your final point about the governing bodies (as well as the private leagues and individual clubs, let's not forget) cramming too many matches into the schedule - but much of that is being done by adding club matches that will also largely be accessible only via subscription services, so it isn't going to be to the advantage of those who can't afford to watch anyway.
@Robbing - I actually like the Nations League, as the format offers teams the opportunity to play competitive games against sides of a similar level, rather than just taking part as the whipping boys in the qualifying groups for major competitions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
The reality is we are talking about fans above the poverty line and they certainly can afford to watch the games - but there is very little interest in watching those games anymore outside of the World Cup and Euros/COPA/AFCON/Asian Games
Qualifying should be an extremely short process and friendlies need to be faaacked off. Set up tournaments for diddy nations like San Marino, Andorra, the Faroes Islands etc so they get to play more games and have a shot at winning something - but play the tournament more or less at the same time as the big tournaments.
Basically, condense international football so club football doesn’t have to stop
Y shud eggsightin internashnul games halve too make weigh 4 utter sheet like Brentford v Burnedmouth ore Hiđź‘‹denhiđź‘‹ m v Mainz?
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
-----
Not having disposable income doesn't necessarily imply extreme poverty, it means struggling to make ends meet on whatever you're able to earn.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 17 minutes ago
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
-----
Not having disposable income doesn't necessarily imply extreme poverty, it means struggling to make ends meet on whatever you're able to earn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Come on, you’re telling me those people watch free to air international games but don’t stream Prem games? I’m not having that. Anyway - Match of the day is free to air and I’m sure they love that
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 44 minutes ago
Y shud eggsightin internashnul games halve too make weigh 4 utter sheet like Brentford v Burnedmouth ore Hiđź‘‹denhiđź‘‹ m v Mainz?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sure some club games are shiete - but any Prem weekend will have at least a couple of crackers.
I ain’t staying up to watch Uruguay vs Bolivia on the off chance it’s a great game
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
Incredybubble action in 2nites Natiuns leag games!
Dan Marino will b rockin
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 19 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody in England follows cricket, rugby, tennis, boxing, horse racing, motor sports, golf, or any other sport because famously you can't be interested in more than one thing.
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 35 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 19 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody in England follows cricket, rugby, tennis, boxing, horse racing, motor sports, golf, or any other sport because famously you can't be interested in more than one thing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes but the point is - does your Indian football fan love watching their national team or Man United/Liverpool more
Everyone knows the answer of the vast majority to this question - so I would imagine they are as miffed about these international breaks as well.
Try and put a cogent argument together please
Sign in if you want to comment
This faaaacking time of year
Page 3 of 5
posted on 4/9/24
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
posted on 4/9/24
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
posted on 4/9/24
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 weak b4 season start is pre-season traynin u utter utter chidrule
Players wud all get injure u stoopid
posted on 4/9/24
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 9 seconds ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by 50 No longer trusting the process (U1147)
posted 19 seconds ago
International football needs to be removed from the calendar unless it’s competitive fixtures. Either have a period where you play all international games in a short period of time (ie combine sept-nov games like a mini tournament) or just fack off
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Absolutely - package the whole lot together so we can get the shiete out of the way and then get on with what most are interested in.
Friendlies just need to be scrapped full stop - is there anything more pointless than international friendlies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thats whut they do now u dum khuntz
----------------------------------------------------------------------
How is spreading it out over September/October/November and March packaging it together you great imbecile
We’re talking - give them 3 continuous weeks before the season starts to get all the games out the way. Then in late May they can play any play offs needed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3 weak b4 season start is pre-season traynin u utter utter chidrule
Players wud all get injure u stoopid
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s a guarantee they will get injured is it - good one 4za
Qualifying should be about 4 games these days given how many teams qualify - group A England, Scotland, San Marino. Play each other home and away over 3 weeks. England win the group and qualify automatically, San Marino come second and go into the play offs. Simples
posted on 4/9/24
Back on topic, the World Club tourney is now a protracted load of bollox.
I have no intention of going and I will only watch games involving my club.
posted on 4/9/24
Of coatse they wud get injure
No prr-season fitness trainin strate intoo compytishun
Ur knot v brite r u?
posted on 4/9/24
LMAO, with OP
posted on 5/9/24
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest looking at it this way:
The financial imbalances in the modern game mean that paying fans of the big leagues are pampered silly week in week out because a comparatively small number of clubs get to hog virtually all of the available top talent, while probably hundreds of millions of football fans worldwide have been priced out of being able to watch them.
Almost every country, however, shows its own national sides free to air, and gives millions of people the opportunity that they would otherwise be denied to watch their top talents. Surely 38 rounds of fixtures, plus cup and international club competitions, is more than enough to stop moaning about a few weeks during which others less fortunate get a glimpse of some of their favourite footballers in action.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 41 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 25 minutes ago
comment by look like modric (U7431)
posted 8 hours, 45 minutes ago
Even the football manager game have given up with International football.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It’s niche at best now if not downright boring - absolutely zero interest in these internationals. I always enjoy the big tournaments, even though the quality is often poor, but they need to expedite qualifying. England, Germany, Spain, France, Italy have no need to be playing home and away against the likes of Malta, San Marino, Andorra. Get rid of these sides with pre qualifiers - straight KO. Get group stages down to 4 sides, top 2 go through and cram the games into a small 3-4 week window either side of the domestic season and leave it at that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I suggest looking at it this way:
The financial imbalances in the modern game mean that paying fans of the big leagues are pampered silly week in week out because a comparatively small number of clubs get to hog virtually all of the available top talent, while probably hundreds of millions of football fans worldwide have been priced out of being able to watch them.
Almost every country, however, shows its own national sides free to air, and gives millions of people the opportunity that they would otherwise be denied to watch their top talents. Surely 38 rounds of fixtures, plus cup and international club competitions, is more than enough to stop moaning about a few weeks during which others less fortunate get a glimpse of some of their favourite footballers in action.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m fine with that in concentrated spells - just don’t make it every 3 weeks for the first 9 weeks of the season.
Do those fans love meaningless friendlies? I doubt it
We’ve just had a whole summer of international football free to air - Euro’s, Copa for the South Americans and Olympics. Now we’re stopping the good stuff for this watered down shiete again.
Dodgy stick usage is going through the roof - less fortunate fans can watch every game going for about £40 a year these days. Plus the viewing figures for the Prem are astronomical so these fans are watching anyway.
I’m not saying get rid of international football altogether, I am saying get shot of international friendlies and the Nation league and cut down on international qualifiers - then concentrate those qualifiers into a 3 or 4 week window so we can get the schitt out of the way before the actual entertainment begins.
But FiFA and UEFa like burning the candle at both ends - we now have a 32 team club World Cup in one of the “off summers” starting this summer and the next iteration of the World Cup has 16 additional sides and will take 5 and a half weeks to complete - where will this madness end?
posted on 5/9/24
IOAG makes a very good point there.
I’d also add, although this is anecdotal, that it’s only Prem fans that loath internationals, lower league supporters love it. Many reasons for that I guess.
I love International football, I just think there’s too much football and I don’t think it helps the spectacle as an entertainment if players are tired.
The Nations League can get in the bin though. It’s convoluted and draining. Just get rid of International friendlies. If you have to blood new players and tactics in competitive games then so be it, it’s not the end of the world.
posted on 5/9/24
I think the IB at the start of the domestic season is the one that really pizzes most people off.
I don't mind breaks in November or February.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by Robbing Hoody - keepy up arbiter. Don’t talk to me unless you can do ten (U6374)
posted 42 minutes ago
IOAG makes a very good point there.
I’d also add, although this is anecdotal, that it’s only Prem fans that loath internationals, lower league supporters love it. Many reasons for that I guess.
I love International football, I just think there’s too much football and I don’t think it helps the spectacle as an entertainment if players are tired.
The Nations League can get in the bin though. It’s convoluted and draining. Just get rid of International friendlies. If you have to blood new players and tactics in competitive games then so be it, it’s not the end of the world.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Why would lower league fans mind - their leagues keep playing and they get the international footy - double bubble for them.
We get England fresh off a euros final playing Ireland - this might be the least interesting match between England and Ireland ever, we’re starting a new chapter and will likely put out a patch side whilst Ireland are currently craaaap.
Meanwhile, the Prem which has started well again has just had a very exciting weekend but we have to break
posted on 5/9/24
@Strike
What's meaningless to you may very well not be meaningless to them, so yeah, I suppose that for people who might only get to see their national teams play a dozen or so times a year, every fixture can be a special occasion - especially if they're from one of the many countries who don't have a chance in hell of making a major tournament.
Furthermore, saying that less fortunate fans getting to watch footy for less than 40 quid seems oblivious to the fact that billions worldwide barely have any disposable income whatsoever. I also think you're confusing the number of people who the PL says "follows the league" (1.87, their claim) with actual viewing figures. The aforementioned figure -whether fantastical or not- refers to fans who 'interact with the PL through the media'. That's very different to getting to watch actual matches.
I do agree, however, on your final point about the governing bodies (as well as the private leagues and individual clubs, let's not forget) cramming too many matches into the schedule - but much of that is being done by adding club matches that will also largely be accessible only via subscription services, so it isn't going to be to the advantage of those who can't afford to watch anyway.
@Robbing - I actually like the Nations League, as the format offers teams the opportunity to play competitive games against sides of a similar level, rather than just taking part as the whipping boys in the qualifying groups for major competitions.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 15 minutes ago
@Strike
What's meaningless to you may very well not be meaningless to them, so yeah, I suppose that for people who might only get to see their national teams play a dozen or so times a year, every fixture can be a special occasion - especially if they're from one of the many countries who don't have a chance in hell of making a major tournament.
Furthermore, saying that less fortunate fans getting to watch footy for less than 40 quid seems oblivious to the fact that billions worldwide barely have any disposable income whatsoever. I also think you're confusing the number of people who the PL says "follows the league" (1.87, their claim) with actual viewing figures. The aforementioned figure -whether fantastical or not- refers to fans who 'interact with the PL through the media'. That's very different to getting to watch actual matches.
I do agree, however, on your final point about the governing bodies (as well as the private leagues and individual clubs, let's not forget) cramming too many matches into the schedule - but much of that is being done by adding club matches that will also largely be accessible only via subscription services, so it isn't going to be to the advantage of those who can't afford to watch anyway.
@Robbing - I actually like the Nations League, as the format offers teams the opportunity to play competitive games against sides of a similar level, rather than just taking part as the whipping boys in the qualifying groups for major competitions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
The reality is we are talking about fans above the poverty line and they certainly can afford to watch the games - but there is very little interest in watching those games anymore outside of the World Cup and Euros/COPA/AFCON/Asian Games
Qualifying should be an extremely short process and friendlies need to be faaacked off. Set up tournaments for diddy nations like San Marino, Andorra, the Faroes Islands etc so they get to play more games and have a shot at winning something - but play the tournament more or less at the same time as the big tournaments.
Basically, condense international football so club football doesn’t have to stop
posted on 5/9/24
Y shud eggsightin internashnul games halve too make weigh 4 utter sheet like Brentford v Burnedmouth ore Hiđź‘‹denhiđź‘‹ m v Mainz?
posted on 5/9/24
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
-----
Not having disposable income doesn't necessarily imply extreme poverty, it means struggling to make ends meet on whatever you're able to earn.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 17 minutes ago
I’m not being funny, but those extremely poor people worldwide who cannot afford £40 for a dodgy stick, also likely cannot afford a TV to watch the free to air national games - not a glib remark but most likely true, and even if they have a TV they are most likely too busy to watch the game as they are trying to survive.
-----
Not having disposable income doesn't necessarily imply extreme poverty, it means struggling to make ends meet on whatever you're able to earn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Come on, you’re telling me those people watch free to air international games but don’t stream Prem games? I’m not having that. Anyway - Match of the day is free to air and I’m sure they love that
posted on 5/9/24
comment by #4zA (U22472)
posted 44 minutes ago
Y shud eggsightin internashnul games halve too make weigh 4 utter sheet like Brentford v Burnedmouth ore Hiđź‘‹denhiđź‘‹ m v Mainz?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sure some club games are shiete - but any Prem weekend will have at least a couple of crackers.
I ain’t staying up to watch Uruguay vs Bolivia on the off chance it’s a great game
posted on 5/9/24
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
posted on 5/9/24
Incredybubble action in 2nites Natiuns leag games!
Dan Marino will b rockin
posted on 5/9/24
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 19 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody in England follows cricket, rugby, tennis, boxing, horse racing, motor sports, golf, or any other sport because famously you can't be interested in more than one thing.
posted on 5/9/24
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 35 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - staying humble (U18109)
posted 19 minutes ago
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
Do you realise there is a world outside the UK that doesn't get Match of the Day? Mobile telecommunications have improved Internet access the world over, but that doesn't mean it gives everyone affirdable access to unlimited data and quality streams.
Take India, for example. More than half of the population (some 700M people) say they follow football, whilst the broadcaster that owns the rights to the PL last year reported a 'huge leap' to 71 million viewers. In other words, 1 in 10 out of all those who declare an interest in the sport.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
India now, cricket mad India want to watch their national football team instead of the Premier League
Okay mate
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nobody in England follows cricket, rugby, tennis, boxing, horse racing, motor sports, golf, or any other sport because famously you can't be interested in more than one thing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes but the point is - does your Indian football fan love watching their national team or Man United/Liverpool more
Everyone knows the answer of the vast majority to this question - so I would imagine they are as miffed about these international breaks as well.
Try and put a cogent argument together please
Page 3 of 5