In April 2021, a few pundits and journalists said a European Super League would kill football as we know it. What an unnecessary exaggeration, I thought.
The situation was embarrassing for many people, and one may even argue that it could have permanently affected how football was played in the West. Still, there was nothing to suggest that the sport was in danger. Want to talk about a dying sport? Let’s talk about hockey.
However, the issue with football is that the commercial side of football has become deeply influential in our society. Now football clubs have become sanctum sanctorum. They always were, you would argue, and I agree, but more so now.
A young kid introduced to football in any part of the globe is now more likely than ever to get drawn into the multiverse of club fandom, football video games, and merchandise. I was introduced to football as a sport much before I saw a football match on television or played my first FIFA game.
I just hope people realize underneath club loyalties, multinational leagues, and wealthy owners is a beautiful game that asks only two things of you, a pair of shoes and a football.
We love this sport, and as long as people continue to play it, it will never die. So let’s rejoice in this beautiful game, and no matter what K’naan would have us believe, waving a flag is discretionary.
Mihir Narvilkar 