More World Cup reflections<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post editorial regarding the World Cup on July 6,
\n1994 raised some interesting points.<\/p>\n
Asia did do well this time when Saudi Arabia qualified for the
\nsecond phase. Many have suggested that Asia and Africa should be
\ngranted more places in future World Cups at the expense of
\nEuropean and South American sides. Looking at the makeup of the
\nFIFA, this may be justified.<\/p>\n
There are 168 members of the FIFA (at last count, but growing)
\nvying for 24 places in the World Cup. This means for every
\nseven members, one place should be allocated. Based on the
\ngeographic spread of members, Asia's 36 members should be
\nallocated five places, Africa's 48 should have seven, Europe's 42
\nonly six and South America's 10 only one place.<\/p>\n
The remaining five places should go to the 35 members of the
\nOceania and CONCACAF, which cover Australasia, Central and North
\nAmerica and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n
Some people would be happy, but would the viewing public be
\nsatisfied? The World Cup is all about seeing the best in the
\nworld, not about seeing representatives from all parts of the
\nworld.<\/p>\n
Some may say then it is not a true World Cup. Anyway, the use
\nof the word \"World\" has been stretched before in sporting events.
\nOne only has to look at the \"World Series\" in the United States.
\nOnly the USA and Canada take part!<\/p>\n
On the question in the editorial about why Indonesia does not
\ndo well in football, once again, one only has to look at
\nstatistics.<\/p>\n
Indonesia only has 100,000 registered football players, a
\nratio of 1 to 1850. Saudi Arabia has 10,000 players in a
\npopulation of 14 million, a ratio of 1 to 1,400. Other strong
\nteams in Asia like Japan and China have ratios of 1 to 350 and 1
\nto 500 respectively.<\/p>\n
Brazil's ratio is 1 to 270, and Germany and Holland have below
\n1 in 50. So in order for the level of play to improve in
\nIndonesia, more people need to be encouraged to take up the
\nsport. Logical -- yes, but has anybody seen any moves to make it
\nhappen?<\/p>\n
PHILIP M. COOPER<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/more-world-cup-reflections-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }