In this the FA Cup fourth round weekend, this column from the current New Statesman writer Jon Bernstein looks into the parlous state of cup football competitions.
“So reviled and diminished have most football cup competitions become UEFA (Europe’s football governing body) should launch a knockout competition to discover which is the least loved”.
The guys over at the FA have gone against their better judgment by awarding a new two-years rights deal with broadcaster ITV for the FA Cup and England internationals.
The deal, which cost £90million over the period, will see ITV screen 16 live FA Cup games per season and England’s home World Cup qualifiers. They will also screen the domestic football season’s annual curtain-raiser, the Community Shield as well as six matches from the FA Youth Cup.
This deal represents a further smack in the teeth for armchair football fans. ITV‘s recent football coverage has been hit a series of poor presentation problems and high-profile cock-ups. The sooner the BBC and Sky jointly take back the rights when they next come round to bid, the better it will be for the fans.
Celebrate the birthday today of the ultimate modern boxing legend. His greatness and presence puts all of the so-called current champions to shame.
Enough said.
If a footballer at any level feels unhappy about staying at his present club, then in theory, he should be allowed to leave.
Except that Carlos Tevez is unable to do that, despite telling his present club Manchester City that he wanted to leave for months. His protracted transfer to Brazilian club Corinthians fell through, so he will remain until at least January, when the transfer window opens again.
Some of the world’s top tennis players are said to be considering taking the unusual step of ‘going on strike‘ over their tournament schedule.
Many have complained of having to play too many tournaments over the year. Despite the fact that they are handsomely paid, they will consider a boycott if talks with the tennis governing bodies in China next month fail.
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