Country or club, let players decide

with Zenon Caravella SOMETHING that has been around for a long time is the debate of whether clubs and players should have the right to decide, if selected, to travel for the national team mid-season.

Just last week an independent arbitrator found in favour of the FFA, meaning they have the right to release players from their clubs for the upcoming U23 Asian titles.

National team selection is an honour, something that should be cherished.

But the upcoming tournament is meaningless, as in it has no qualification merit.

The Mariners, who are battling to play finals football, have now been forced to release three players, one being their most influential in Danny De Silva. Other squads across the A-League have also had their playing stocks pillaged.

Arguably the most important debate here is around the players. Opportunities to play in the first team at this level are hard to come by and require sacrifice and hard work.

Fringe players trying to cement their place in the squad who are pulled away for a month, missing valuable playing time for a friendly tournament, may be on the outer on their return.

Some people might say ‘well, that’s football’ but at the very least, shouldn’t players have the right to decide?

I once faced a similar scenario. During a tough period at Adelaide, I was selected in a Socceroos camp for the first time. I was considered an important player for the club and was strongly advised – almost pressured – not to go as the camp was “meaningless”.

I chose my club and it was one of my biggest regrets.

Perhaps the most baffling part of this saga is that multiple players travelling aren’t even eligible for the 2020 Olympics (an U23 tournament), which begs the question: why were they selected in the first place?

As usual, there are too many administrators with little football knowledge making ill-informed decisions for the game.