The big football teams in Europe want to have a bigger global reach, and for that they employ methods of broadening their fanbases around the world. Welt am Sonntag (via @iMiaSanMia) discussed the matter with Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and brought up how La Liga and Serie A will be playing overseas matches (in Miami and Melbourne respectively), but the executive ruled out against it.
“I don’t think much of that,” Dreesen began. “On the other hand, I do think it’s a good idea for the 36
clubs in the first and second divisions to bring German football to the world. But we must never forget where our foundation lies. Therefore, I want our competitive matches to always be played in Germany – even if a Supercup might attract more attention abroad than friendly matches.”
BFW Analysis
It’s the right way of thinking, because the billionaire- and state-backed clubs are turning their sporting projects into an instrument of over-commercialization. For example, “Game 39” was a proposed final day match in the Premier League which was lobbied back in 2008. It was supposed to be played outside England (presumably neutral grounds), and all 20 teams would be part of it. Imagine you’re a player for the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea during that period and after playing around 50 matches, you were told to fly to another part of the globe just because the ones running the league wanted more revenue and exposure.
There are much better ways of getting the world to support your team and even though the idea of having more games is already in effect (to the chagrin of the top players), it’s best not to make the sport more oversaturated than it already is.
