Letters

Not-so-good economy of soccer

The world is in the throes of soccer mania thanks to the Football World Cup gala. Soccer is perhaps the most exciting and beautiful sport, but it seems to be ruled more by commerce nowadays. It is still the most popular sport in the world, but its agenda at almost all levels (from local to global) are set by economics.

Players (and spectators) have become mere pawns in the hands of sponsors, shadowy political characters and business houses. The overall quality of soccer may have improved over the past few years, but organizing games and tournaments has become an increasingly complicated affair.