Qld Govt Beckham Stunt - Not impressive

By: Ahmed | September 12th, 2008

We all know David Beckham. Worldwide football superstar and fashion icon. He has become the subject for many a government and promoter trying to lure the public over with the David Beckham glamour. I think its hogwash. The whole Beckham move to LA Galaxy has been so widely publicised that TV stations were showing their every game and every match. Nations across the globe were luring the club across for promotional games. Even our very own Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix got a piece of the pie. It brought in a hell of a crowd and probably was a success, but now the phenomenon has passed.

The Galaxy can hardly get a win and Beckham is playing no part in helping them win. The Galaxy has fired their manager and the man instrumental in getting Beckham to LA, Alexei Lalas. Beckham is flying around the globe promoting Sharpie pens and the London 2012 Olympics. I wonder does this man actually give a tosh about football now. Only his performances will actually tell. But our beloved Queensland government had a brainwave. They’ve decided to get the LA Galaxy over for a promotional match in Brisbane against our very own Queensland Roar. Sounds good on the surface, I suppose (I would have preferred a much better competition from either Europe or Africa, but Beckham is a football magnet and hell draw a crowd for the game, which is good), but the whole Beckham thing is passed on me. Quite frankly, Beckham is passed is prime and his teammates aren’t that flash at the game either. LA Galaxy are struggling to win games in the MLS and yet the competition levels are not that high, when you think about what is actually on offer from many other area, such as in Africa and Asia.

But never fret, our Qld Govt has thought that is brainwave, lets get Beckham and the boys over for some photos and smiles and a few other promotional events, and then flog him back on a day’s journey. There is also going to be a football match with the Qld Roar, who was not consulted on this arrangement. The Roar in fact has to play Adelaide United in a crucial A-league match 2 days later. The players will no doubt be buggered to play 2 games in 4 days, and I think Frank Farina will not be using his best against the Galaxy. Im sure Farina is not too pleased with this decision. Im sure he rather prepare for a potential finals series game than be on a promotional match midway through the season. Now don’t get me wrong, I think promoting the game in the country is brilliant but not like this. Firstly the Qld Roar was not even consulted on this matter. Secondly, the Roar has to back up 2 days later against Adelaide in the A-League. Thirdly, the Galaxy is passed all this hype and they can’t actually play football worth watching.

Now I know im not actually going to watch this game, because 1) I watched him play at Old Trafford for United, and 2) This is just another publicity stunt, and im not in favour of my beloved Roar paying for it. I don’t believe they were not consulted on the matter and then have to back up to a game 2 days later at home. It’s asking for something almost impossible. If Sydney wanted to do it, then they made that decision as a club, the Roar was not even consulted (I think you’ve figured that out). If the government really wanted to have a match, they should have consulted the Roar, and got a proper football team from Europe or Africa. Beckhams face may have fantastic effects on many fashionistas and females, but I don’t think it’ll have that effect on the football faithful of Queensland.