So we are into another international break after only a taste of the new season and all I care about is getting through it as quickly as possible with the minimum amount of injuries for any of my clubs players.
It got me thinking about how much I had lost interest in international football, its been gradual but the last two major tournaments I watched very little of (only the Poland matches in the recent Euros and that was only of my missus' insistence.
Ive noticed a few articles already about others who think the same way and on one particular thread I saw a post which stated "they (the internationals) have to be played sometime".
This is very true but as the title of this article states, what if all internationals were amateur status only? This means club matches could continue uninterrupted (or stopped for a few days as to not clash with the club games) and it might generate interest from a wider audience (including those like me).
What do people think about this idea? Remember, Im not just talking about one country but the international game as a whole.
Make Internationals Amateur
posted on 7/9/12
I too, must admit, to having lost interest in internationals, especially when the league program is disrupted for a meaningless friendly.
I agree that qualifiers should be played as a mini tournament in the summer. The major tournaments are played in the summer, so why not the the qualifiers also?
The league break for internationals is a relatively new thing, born in the Premiership era.
Like many of the other older fans here, I can remember when internationals were usually midweek during the season, with no weekend disruption to the league.
The FA say that the friendlies are so that the manager can get the squad together to get used to playing alongside each other. So that is why we often see Hades knows how many substitutions? The more cynical of us may think it could have something to do with generating more money for the FA. Hades forbid such a cynical idea could have any foundation in truth!
posted on 7/9/12
The only interest I have in international football these days is the World Cup and Euros. The friendlies and the qualifiers are dull as ditchwater and just use up valuable time in the season.
posted on 7/9/12
I seem to be in the minority, I still take an interest in international football. But I still get worried about injuries to players on international duty.
Question; If a player is injured on international duty do clubs get compensated, does insurance payout, or do clubs just have to take it on the chin?
posted on 7/9/12
Who cares?
From a fans POV the fact that their team has lost a player is bad enough.
posted on 7/9/12
Terrible Idea.
posted on 7/9/12
So I assume none of you miserable sods would celebrate or support an England winning world cup side?
posted on 7/9/12
England winning any International competition of worth would mean as much to me as any other team winning it.
posted on 7/9/12
I'm in agreement OP, in that I'm bored to death of international footy.
I didn't watch a single game of the euros.
Personally, capello killed my interest.
It's always the same old story unless we play your Moldovas or Andorras.
When we go up against any other sides ieFrance or Spain, the lack of action makes me search over.
I don't agree with making it an amateur tournament, but maybe if we put snap age cap on playing for your country, say 28, you'd more than likely see a team of people that want to play rather than more club players playing for the money, just waiting to get back to their clubhouse...
posted on 7/9/12
*switch over
posted on 7/9/12
Sooner FIFA knocks international football on the head the better
I would rather spurs win a corner than England the world cup