Controversy surrounds Tottenham and Newcastle post-season friendly in Australia: Financial gain vs player welfare
According to The Athletic, Tottenham and Newcastle United are set to engage in a post-season friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue with a capacity of 100,000 spectators. Both clubs will fly down to Australia following the conclusion of the ongoing season.
The clash between these two Premier League giants is scheduled for May 19, promising an exciting spectacle for Australian Premier League supporters.
The upcoming post-season friendly between Tottenham and Newcastle United has faced considerable criticism due to concerns over the physical toll it imposes on players. Scheduled just three days after the conclusion of the ongoing season, the match adds strain to players who are already fatigued from a demanding season. This game also falls amidst other major tournaments such as the Copa America and EURO 2024, which are slated to take place in the off-season.
With this match, Tottenham will mark their 46th game of the season, including pre-season friendlies from last summer. The extensive travel involved, particularly the 10508-mile one-way flight from London to Melbourne, raises significant concerns regarding both player welfare and environmental impact. Campaigners have questioned various aspects of the game, highlighting the need to prioritize the well-being of players and environmental sustainability.
What does Ange think about Spurs’ post season friendly?
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was asked about flying to his home-country to play a post season friendly, and the criticism the game has brought. The 58-year-old, in his pre-Luton Town press conference, said (via. Football.London):
“I guess with all these decisions there’s always going to be conjecture and scrutiny around why they’re made. But from our perspective, like any club, you weigh up the benefits and costs of doing something. For one reason or another, we haven’t had a lot of games this year and there was a unique opportunity for us to have a game at the end of the year. I’m obviously part of that discussion and we are mindful of the players and the schedule. We weighed it all up and thought it was going to be really beneficial for us as a football club, and we’ve gone that way.”
Postecoglou emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of the players with the opportunities presented by the game, acknowledging that it’s part of the broader context of modern football scheduling.
He expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt and perform, emphasizing the positive aspects of the experience for both the players and the fans. Ultimately, Postecoglou emphasized his belief that the match will be a valuable opportunity for the team and an exciting event for supporters in Australia.
More Tottenham Hotspurs news:
- Tottenham star sends message to Wales fans after Euro 2024 heartbreak.
- David Ornstein gives verdict on Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham.
- Tottenham target €50m double swoop for Club Brugge stars including Antonio Nusa
Daniel Levy’s financial acumen is indeed well-known, and it’s no surprise that he would be analyzing the potential financial benefits of such post-season friendlies. These matches can be lucrative opportunities for clubs to generate additional revenue, especially through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales.
Given the increasing stringency of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, clubs are exploring various avenues to boost their income while remaining compliant with financial regulations. Leveraging the global fan base by organizing international friendlies is one such strategy that aligns with the club’s financial objectives. As football continues to evolve as a global sport, we can expect to see more clubs, like Tottenham, exploring these opportunities to maximize their financial resources.
