FIFA World Cup Qualifier: USA vs. Honduras

It may surprise you to know that FIFA claims to be trying to make soccer more popular in North America. I have a few issues with how this striving project is being handled so far. Firstly, how is televising a game that could potentially clinch a spot for the USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Championship in South Africa on closed circuit TV going to further that endeavour?

Make no mistake; this is not pay-per-view that you can order and watch from a comfortable cocoon on your couch at home. Far from it. It’s a bar, or something or other, for you US soccer fans where, most likely, you will have to pay admittance, sit in some uncomfortable chair, and dole out some more for snacks and drinks. With any luck, you’ll strut into an establishment showing the game in your preferred language – there will be English or Spanish.

So how did this happen? Apparently, FIFA has a tradition allowing the host countries of World Cup qualifiers to sell the video rights to whomever they choose. Honduran Federation sold the English and Spanish rights to a media company named Media World. ESPN tried to buy the rights from Media World but was unable to reach a deal, nor were any other American cable providers.

FIFA maintains this practice allows national soccer federations to raise funds to support their operating costs of their World Cup campaign.

In principle, there isn’t much to solve. The intent behind this practice is fine but surely in the light of this development and others that are similar – Ukraine vs. England will only be transmitted online for a fee – another solution could be brought about.

But FIFA’s wearing oversized blinkers, claiming this is the best way and it is for the good of the game. National team games are part of the national public interest.

Is it just me or is that contrary! I mean wouldn’t broadcasting the match to a wider audience be more in keeping with FIFA’s professed objective to spread soccer’s popularity in the US, draw the interest of casual fans and snap up a few new fans.

I don’t know but FIFA can take a few lessons from other sports. NFL Red Zone is a new channel that the NFL owns that gives the viewing public more access to NFL games across the country and not just in their states vicinity.

Imagine if FIFA were to start a channel. That would be more in keeping with their desire to spread soccer in North America. And it would allow them to make more money (that if they still wanted to, could use to help member associations). Just an idea.

For now, FIFA has many T’d off fans to placate in USA, and maybe, more around the world even.

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