The FIFA World Player of the Year Lunacy
By: Martha | October 11th, 2007
FIFA’s nomination list for their World Player of the Year Award is so laughable that, really, it’s difficult to even get too worked up about it. For me, it’s less the absences that make it so absurd than it is two little words that are there: “Patrick” and “Vieira.” This is the same Patrick Vieira who, for those among you who don’t follow Inter as closely as you should, played in just 20 Serie A matches last season (28 in all competitions), and has put in a grand total of 68 minutes so far this year, all of them in a single Coppa Italia match. Yes indeed, he’s been inspirational, on and off the pitch — definitely made a lot more of a contribution than the big Swede with whom he plays, or that thumb-sucking Roman who scored all those goals. (This is me, rolling my eyes.)
Looking at the list, it’s obvious the selectors are either having a laugh, or watch only the EPL and the World Cup, and decided to base about 95% of their nominations on those two things alone. (Apparently neither La Liga or Serie A are available on cable in FIFA’s secret, underwater lair, which is equipped only with DVDs of the World Cup Final and everything Alicia Silverstone has ever done.)
No matter how indignant everyone gets, though, when the time comes to hand out the precious trophy, they’ll have a big, posh party, and give it to someone who (mostly) deserves it and cleans up well for pictures — like Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka — and everyone will forget about who was left out. Then, next year (as long as the token “V” name isn’t “Vieri”), we’ll go through the entire process again, complete with the fury about why the hell anyone cares. I mean, what else are awards for, if not bitching?
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Comments
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I am convinced the standard for journalism has dropped precipitously. There simply is no expectation for a journalist to have knowledge of their subject.
Landon Donovan, he of the “no goals from open play since June”, has been awarded the prestigious Honda Player of the Year award . Journalists are simply expected to be provocative and spark debate. There is no accountability, whatsoever. It’s the exact reason I now turn to blogs for most of calcio news source. There are simply only a handful of calcio journalists I bother reading.
The real question I’d like to know is how do the players view these meaningless awards. I’d imagine most share our sentiments.
Posted from
United States
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If FIFA get to sit around and watch Clueless all day, then I want to apply for an internship right now.
Posted from
United States -
Joe, you are right on point. The muck that many (and I mean nearly every) of these journalists spew is startling, and quite simple, irresponsible. Another perfect example of a bullshit and illegitimate “list” was goal.com’s crap top 100. Are you joking with that shit?
As for how the players view these false accolades, I presume their opinions are entirely consistent with how they are represented on these lists. Kaka, for example, was just quoted as believing himself to be the “favorite” to win player of the year. Of course, the journalists buy his ego, and will likely vote for him (though, he probably would not be a bad choice). Another example would be Rooney. You know he thinks these lists are essential. Seriously, how is he on that list? Then you look at Totti. Leading scorer in all of Europe, probably the single most essential figure to any of the biggest clubs in Europe. Hmm, not there is he? Nope. The reason . . . he could care less about this nonsense. He knows what he means to his club (and country-though sadly, he’s given the FIGC the finger), and that is enough for him. So, point is, if you make the press feel important, they will laud you right onto that shortlist. If you shun them, you don’t exist. Sad, but that’s the game.
I say The Offiside publishes its own rival shortlist.
Posted from
United States -
Yeah I also say theoffside publishes a rival shortlist. No bullshit, no arse-licking, just a decent accolade for a decent player…
Posted from
United States -
once gigi buffon isnt on it am happy. i like him as a player and all but, how do you get a nomination for w.p.o.t.y. for playing in serie B? (this is something thats making me really wonder if fifa officals while making this list, were taking some hits of something)
Posted from
Trinidad And Tobago -
No Zlatan or Totti? A travesty…
Greg: ditto.
Posted from
United States
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