Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Asian Champions League Final
Is there any reason why the ACL final is played in Tokyo? Beyond the fact probably that they bid the most, they provide most of the sponsors, they are the best organisers and the wives of the senior officials can enjoys a few days shopping in Japan.
But beyond that and in footballing terms why is the final there?
It's at the furthermost extreme of the continent, both north and east (ok approximately) meaning getting there will be a lengthy affair for most clubs apart from Japanese, Korean and some Chinese.
But also Japan is a mature football market. It has a successfull domestic league, the J League and their national side is a regular in the World Cup and Asian Cup. Surely it recieves no boost, beyond a slight shot of ego, at hosting the final of Asia's flagship cup competition.
Is there a case for moving the final round the region, touching on places that would get a real shot in the arm through the hosting of such a high profile event.
Cities like Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur boast adequate stadiums for hosting the big game and also have football crazy locals desperate for high class international above and beyond pointless tours from English Premier League clubs.
The three above named cities recently of course hosted the Asian Cup 2007 but that was it. No momentum was developed to take the game forward.
Isn't one of the jobs of the AFC to develop the game throughout the region? Fine. Then take the final where it is most needed. And in Japan, football wise, it ain't needed.
Geographically they are perfectly located as well, closer to the regional powers and let's face it. What would you prefer, a chilly November in Japan with pissy, bite sized food or a sultry eve in KL with the best Indian and Chinese food on every corner.
But beyond that and in footballing terms why is the final there?
It's at the furthermost extreme of the continent, both north and east (ok approximately) meaning getting there will be a lengthy affair for most clubs apart from Japanese, Korean and some Chinese.
But also Japan is a mature football market. It has a successfull domestic league, the J League and their national side is a regular in the World Cup and Asian Cup. Surely it recieves no boost, beyond a slight shot of ego, at hosting the final of Asia's flagship cup competition.
Is there a case for moving the final round the region, touching on places that would get a real shot in the arm through the hosting of such a high profile event.
Cities like Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur boast adequate stadiums for hosting the big game and also have football crazy locals desperate for high class international above and beyond pointless tours from English Premier League clubs.
The three above named cities recently of course hosted the Asian Cup 2007 but that was it. No momentum was developed to take the game forward.
Isn't one of the jobs of the AFC to develop the game throughout the region? Fine. Then take the final where it is most needed. And in Japan, football wise, it ain't needed.
Geographically they are perfectly located as well, closer to the regional powers and let's face it. What would you prefer, a chilly November in Japan with pissy, bite sized food or a sultry eve in KL with the best Indian and Chinese food on every corner.
# posted by Me @ 9:58 AM 
