If I where in the shoes of Sepp Blatter, here are the 3 ideas I would implement now:
- Impose a minimum 3 year contract for footballers playing in professional teams. That would bring about less of a market-driven, show me where the money is, type of behaviour that has transformed some players – and their agents – into mercenaries looking for the next good deal. I strongly believe that the spirit of a team comes with fans identifying with a somewhat stable group of players over a couple of years. There are still too few Rauls and Tottis around these days; players like them help their clubs build a spirit and a long-term relationship with the club fans. It brings identity.
- Get rid of the FIFA Confederations Cup. The only country level Cups that matter are the World Cup and the continental ones. The Confederations Cup is a farce and taking it away goes in the sense of my less is more post.
- Do not use video and go now for Michel Platini’s plan of having 5 referees.
Maracanazos like to dream once in a while.
[...] earlier on about what I would do if I were FIFA’s president. One of the points concerned long-term commitment of players to their team. Take the case of Messi. Barcelona helped his family pay for growth [...]