Mark Gleeson

FOR supporters and footballing purists, two decisions made by the Premier Soccer League in recent days signal a stark warning that the game’s direction is moving away from core values.

Both reflect the shift from the needs and interests of fans to a growing dependence on keeping sweet the corporate sector that sponsors the sport.

One is a major issue, the other a minor one. But both demonstrate a fundamental shift in priorities. The PSL is now more concerned with pleasing the sponsors than looking after the fans.

This is how:

Deciding to stage the Nedbank Cup final at Orlando stadium, when the two finalists both come from Pretoria; and

Not taking the Absa Premiership trophy to Orlando stadium tomorrow, even though Orlando Pirates could wrap up the title.

In effect, logistics are holding hostage two of the potential high points of the season as marketing considerations have taken precedence over common sense.

The decisions show a lack of perspective of what is really important about the game and a disregard for the interests and joy of the fans.

Though a neutral venue is preferable for a cup final, it is irrelevant this year because both Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United use Atteridgeville stadium. The venue is convenient for the bulk of the fans and would ensure a close to capacity – if not sold out – crowd, the perfect backdrop for one of the most important games of the year.

The same cannot be guaranteed at Orlando. Too many Tshwane fans will not be able to make the expensive trip to Soweto.

But the PSL has explained that it does not want to stage the final in Atteridgeville because the stadium is essentially not aesthetically pleasing or convenient. While this might make sense to the marketers, try explaining to a fan that the change rooms are not the same size or the VIP area is too small to accommodate the swanky guests.

The PSL is also disregarding the fans in its decision not to take the league trophy to Orlando stadium tomorrow in case Pirates win the league title.

There is the possibility of a scenario in which Pirates emerge victorious, find out that their rivals have faltered, break out into the spontaneous celebration of the sort that makes sport so great, but find out that the trophy has been left behind.

Why? Because the sponsors want time to build a stage, have streamers in the air and their head honcho on hand for the trophy presentation.

So the trophy will only be handed out on the last day of the season on Saturday next week, when there will still be a celebration but without the soul of the immediacy of sweet victory. The sparkling spontaneity is stripped out of the game by the suits who now seemingly control soccer.

Admittedly, the PSL’s main revenue comes from TV and sponsors and not gate takings. But it is the passion of the fans that makes its product. Leaving them behind is to forget the essence of the game.