BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?

Subject: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 28 May 09 - 04:42 AM

After having the pleasure of watching Barcelona brush aside Manchester United last night in the Champions League final, I had my attention drawn to the logo that adorns Barcelona shirts: UNICEF. But why would a UN agency provide financial support to any particular football club in any particular member country, I asked.

I was told that, as most people probably knew already, UNICEF does NOT support Barcelona. Barcelona supports UNICEF. They have committed to give the agency millions of euros in a five-year programme of support, as part of their commitment to put something back into the world.

Absolutely everyone I know who takes an interest in football believes that money and commercialism is doing its best to destroy a fine sport. Man U, with its colossal merchandising business and international tv rights, is already the richest club in the world, meaning it can buy the best players, win more matches, and become richer. Right now it is looking for some company with more money than sense (AIG is, or was, their current sponsor!) to whom they can sell the valuable advertising space on the front of players' shirts.

How long can the insane Barcelona mentality survive in the cash-fest that is football? (OK, Americans, here's the translation: football = "soccer" LOL)

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Neil D
Date: 28 May 09 - 04:51 AM

Let's hope for a little while longer.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Smedley
Date: 28 May 09 - 05:13 AM

It's all related to the fact that Barcelona are so entwined with the people of the city & the region. The fans can become 'associates' of the club and elect the president. And the club is the international symbol of Catalunya, which aspires to become a separate country from Spain. In other words, it's a club with avowed social and cultural agendas, not just a pawn in rich men's games.

Could it happen in Britain ? Shortly after pigs learn to fly.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Stu
Date: 28 May 09 - 06:45 AM

"Could it happen in Britain ? Shortly after pigs learn to fly."

Ah, but recently . . . swine flu.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Lox
Date: 28 May 09 - 08:44 AM

Perhaps they combine their UNICEF work with their scouting for new players ...

"We'll donate x in return for the best young brazilian street kids you can find"

... ok ... borderline tasteless ... I'll get my coat ...

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Smedley
Date: 28 May 09 - 09:01 AM

Well better that than letting Madonna adopt them.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 May 09 - 12:25 PM

Doing it Barcelona style evidently works.   Roll on the day other teams copy their way of running the club, as well as the way they play football.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 May 09 - 02:19 PM

Brill

L in C
Catalunya Road South, Chorlton, Manchester

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Noreen
Date: 28 May 09 - 05:48 PM

Barcelona aren't the only football club with a conscience- Aston Villa advertise "acorns", the children's hospice charity on their shirts, instead of having a sponsor:

Aston Villa forgoes £2 million sponsorship to support charity

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 28 May 09 - 05:54 PM

I didn't know that, Peter K, you made my day. How wonderful.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 28 May 09 - 08:31 PM

Wow, thanks Noreen! That too had passed me by.

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Noreen
Date: 29 May 09 - 08:48 AM

There are some right-thinking people in the world, though it comes a surprise to find them! :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Are Euro champs Barcelona deranged?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 29 May 09 - 09:24 AM

There was also of course Niall Quinn's heartwarming decision a few years ago to give all the proceeds from his benefit match - about £1 million - to charity.