Is it still Soccer?

In June 2023 I was in Paris for two nights to meet friends in the Champs-Élysées, and our discussion veered to soccer. At that time, I wrote an opinion piece titled “It’s Still Round”. Last week I was in London and met once more Al Kirkland, Michelle Laurent, and Hala Jono. Al still focused on investment, especially in tech startups, plus his vineyard. Michelle retired from soccer coaching and established a restaurant in St Tropez. We were all in London to celebrate Hala’s new shop in Oxford Street facing HMV. She entertained us in her design salon where her special clients used frequently for private showings. As we discussed Hala’s future 2028 plans in New York, Al surprised us by announcing that he is buying an American soccer team on the east coast. He politely declined to name the team nor the city, but did describe in full candor that this investment was not about the sport of soccer but the money-making side. Michelle wasn’t happy about how Al described his soccer purchase, but admitted the art of soccer has come to an end and the hyper-commercialized takeover launched in the Qatar World Cup was now reinforced in the US, Mexico and Canada World Cup games earlier this year. Hala admitted she is no longer the same soccer fan she was. She complained about the intense commercialization of soccer, the violence in the game, the very poor refereeing and the players’ total lack of allegiance. I was sipping my second espresso when Hala asked my opinion about the world of soccer. I placed my cup down and described the fact that there has been a major shift in the game as it was no longer about skill and strategic strategy, but more akin to gladiators in the old days who sought to overcome their opponents through sheer brute strength – all while the referee looked away. Al responded, “But that is what the audience wants, the business benefits from, and so do the players”. “Money, money, money,” responded Hala, reminding all of us of the Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey song in the movie “Cabaret” (1972). Al, agreeing to Hala’s comment, said yes. Money makes the world go around and soccer in the US World Cup games reflected enormous profits for all parties – FIFA, US cities, teams, players, advertising and the newest joiner, betting companies. I interrupted, saying so there is no return to a rule-based art soccer game, just as the global rule-based order has disappeared, allowing over 47 conflicts to take hold in the world. Yes, Al responded, correct but that is money making world cup. He added that FIFA’s hyper commercializing of the soccer tournaments including the World Cup has pushed the soccer business in override. Michelle frowned, and said that I was right, sadly. “The soccer game has changed. Two halves have become four quarters to insert more advertising. The tight bear hugging during corners is a clear violation of rules that is ignored by the referee disrupting the flow of the game,” she said. Plus, Michelle added, “The spirit of soccer and its players has died and players interests has risen with no allegiance to a team but to what is paid to them”. Hala looked at her watch, signaling that the time for dinner was approaching. We all got up. Michelle said Infantino destroyed soccer, Al disagreed and Hala supported Michelle. I said maybe, as American football has flag football or touch football that prohibits tackling and violence, maybe soccer will have a version of original soccer focusing on skill, forgetting money and violence.