By Hailegebriel Endeshaw
As an ordinary football fan, I can say that the era of enjoying the beautiful game is gradually fading away. Because of this, it may not be too long before we see the football pitches turn into deserted arenas, with not a single fan willing to sit and enjoy the game. No need to tell sport fans that the adorable football game has become a tasteless business in this modern world. This has been going on for almost a score of years.
These days the common sayings that used to be echoed for time immemorial by football authorities and federations seem to have been forgotten. Yes, we don’t hear the football federations and sport loving fans roaring, ‘sport for friendship’, ‘sport for peace’, and ‘sport for health’. The sport we see now is not promoting those noble ideals. This may be due to the fact that the engine that powers the sport in general and football in particular is the modern business. Therefore, the slogan of the day seems to be ‘sport for business interests’.
What we hear these days in sport arenas are expressions that can drive fans into bitter rivalries and hatred. These common expressions including; ‘we smashed you’, ‘we crushed you’, ‘we ripped you apart’, and ‘we annihilated you’, are fuels that contribute to controversial decisions and hostility among fans. Imagine what will happen if the unfairness and partiality from the referee side are added to these challenges!
There are essential responsibilities that a football referee should pay close attention to. Fairness and impartiality are among them. The referee is expected to treat both teams equally and make decisions without favoritism or external influence. The referee is also duty bound to ensure that laws of the games are enforced consistently. Making accurate decisions and managing time and match procedures are also among the key duties a football referee should adhere to. However, certain decisions made by some officials during sporting events have caused chaos, disputes and tensions among sports fans.
To date, the technology designed to support the referee, such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR), has been misused by some irresponsible officials. This is harming the beauty of football. This is what we can see in this modern day. Particularly, for the last two decades, poor refereeing in football matches has been making fans angry. In my opinion, the European Foot Ball is declining due to poor officiating ever since Arab investors have become the owners of many clubs.
Newcastle United F.C. is majority-owned by Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. Paris FC has received investment from members of the Arnault family together with Red Bull, and Qatar has also become involved through minority investment arrangements in recent years. Malaga CF was acquired by Abdullah Al Thani in 2010, though the club later faced financial and administrative problems. Manchester City FC is controlled by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Mahyan in 2008 through the City Football Group. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) FC is owned by Qatar Sports Investments since 2011. This shows that many football clubs in Europe are possessed by Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf-linked Investments.
My point here is that ever since many clubs have been possessed by Arab investors, the sport is not enjoyable as it used to be. I can say this boldly with my chest out. I am of the opinion football has lost some of its charm since several clubs have come under the ownership of wealthy Arab investors. I believe that football authorities and governing bodies have contributed to this decline by allowing financial power to exert too much influence over the game.
Now is the time for the concerned bodies to stop for a while and think of what is being done against this football. The beautiful sport has been invaded by irresponsible people. Business-imposed decisions are derailing the fascinating sport. Business and financial influence are undermining the integrity of sport authorities, officials, federations and others. I am afraid sport authorities and federations seem to fail to live up to public expectations. If things are allowed to continue this way, we may not see fair games being properly officiated on football pitches. Then the day will soon come when we speak of the beautiful game in its old glory.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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