In the second part of our feature on the J.League’s ‘Asian Berth’ policy for next season, the-afc.com looks at how the news has been received by other Member Associations.
By Etsuko Miyazaki
The J.League-sponsored ‘Asian Berth’, which promises to pluck unsung talent from the footballing backwaters of the continent and plant them in Asia’s foremost league, has been hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by football aficionados.
The revolutionary gambit promises to usher in a fresh wave of hope for talented yet unlucky footballers for whom playing in better leagues remains a distant dream.
Unveiled last month, the aptly-named ‘Asian Berth’ guarantees one slot in each of the 33 J1 and J2 clubs for a deserving player from AFC’s 46 MAs which range from solid leagues like Saudi Arabia and Australia to lesser known ones like Brunei and Nepal.
Not surprisingly, the move has earned acclaim from officials, players and fans alike.
Nakorn Poungbubpha, manager of Thai powerhouse Krung Thai Bank FC, said; “If our members play in the J.League, our country and Krung Thai Bank FC will gain recognition not only in Japan but also throughout Asia.”
Annop Singtothong, Director of fellow Thai League outfit Chonburi FC, pointed to the long-term effects.
“I think it is an excellent idea. Our players can gain a lot of experience and the club also will benefit from this experience which will help to improve the skills of the team in the future,” said the Chonburi boss who saw his team play in the AFC Champions League this year.
Poungbubpha agreed. “We expect the player to utilise his J.League experience as a coach in the future.”
PROFESSIONALISM
Further, a decent spell in the J.League is expected to impress the virtues of professionalism on the players who are likely to hail from the backwaters of Asian football.
Anthony Dias, a Malaysia football fan, said: “I think most of Asian football is completely lacking in professional ways of the game and here is where this idea can show the way to others.”
The philosophy found excellent support among the players’ fraternity.
“I keenly look forward to playing in the J.League and I think I will do well if I have a chance to play there,” said Chonburi mid-fielder Arthit Sunthornphit.
“I think there will be a huge demand for the one single berth reserved for Asian players in the J1 and J2.”
Fellow playmaker Kriangkrai Pimrat echoed Sunthornphit’s eagerness. “It will be my pleasure to join the J.League and I will try my best to do if I receive an opportunity.”
FFA APPLAUDS
The idea was applauded by Football Federation Australia, with a spokeswoman saying “it will lead to improved standards and quality of competition”.
“FFA is of the view that any move to increase the opportunities available to players within the Asian Football Confederation is good for the entire Confederation as it will lead to improved standards and quality of competition,” said FFA’s spokeswoman who also revealed that a similar plan was being mulled for the A-League.
“FFA is considering increasing the number of visa players permitted within the Hyundai A-League from next season (commencing in 2009)."
(Edited by R. Ravi Kumar)
Source:The AFC.com
By Etsuko Miyazaki
The J.League-sponsored ‘Asian Berth’, which promises to pluck unsung talent from the footballing backwaters of the continent and plant them in Asia’s foremost league, has been hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by football aficionados.
The revolutionary gambit promises to usher in a fresh wave of hope for talented yet unlucky footballers for whom playing in better leagues remains a distant dream.
Unveiled last month, the aptly-named ‘Asian Berth’ guarantees one slot in each of the 33 J1 and J2 clubs for a deserving player from AFC’s 46 MAs which range from solid leagues like Saudi Arabia and Australia to lesser known ones like Brunei and Nepal.
Not surprisingly, the move has earned acclaim from officials, players and fans alike.
Nakorn Poungbubpha, manager of Thai powerhouse Krung Thai Bank FC, said; “If our members play in the J.League, our country and Krung Thai Bank FC will gain recognition not only in Japan but also throughout Asia.”
Annop Singtothong, Director of fellow Thai League outfit Chonburi FC, pointed to the long-term effects.
“I think it is an excellent idea. Our players can gain a lot of experience and the club also will benefit from this experience which will help to improve the skills of the team in the future,” said the Chonburi boss who saw his team play in the AFC Champions League this year.
Poungbubpha agreed. “We expect the player to utilise his J.League experience as a coach in the future.”
PROFESSIONALISM
Further, a decent spell in the J.League is expected to impress the virtues of professionalism on the players who are likely to hail from the backwaters of Asian football.
Anthony Dias, a Malaysia football fan, said: “I think most of Asian football is completely lacking in professional ways of the game and here is where this idea can show the way to others.”
The philosophy found excellent support among the players’ fraternity.
“I keenly look forward to playing in the J.League and I think I will do well if I have a chance to play there,” said Chonburi mid-fielder Arthit Sunthornphit.
“I think there will be a huge demand for the one single berth reserved for Asian players in the J1 and J2.”
Fellow playmaker Kriangkrai Pimrat echoed Sunthornphit’s eagerness. “It will be my pleasure to join the J.League and I will try my best to do if I receive an opportunity.”
FFA APPLAUDS
The idea was applauded by Football Federation Australia, with a spokeswoman saying “it will lead to improved standards and quality of competition”.
“FFA is of the view that any move to increase the opportunities available to players within the Asian Football Confederation is good for the entire Confederation as it will lead to improved standards and quality of competition,” said FFA’s spokeswoman who also revealed that a similar plan was being mulled for the A-League.
“FFA is considering increasing the number of visa players permitted within the Hyundai A-League from next season (commencing in 2009)."
(Edited by R. Ravi Kumar)
Source:The AFC.com
