This story appears in the Friday January 14, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror. It also included the story with Desmond Bulpin and PFF President Mariano Araneta. The video above is only a portion of what was conducted on Thursday January 13, 2011 at college field of the Ateneo de Manila University.
Younghusbands spurn Indonesian club
by rick olivares
James and Phil Younghusband, Philippine Men’s National Team mainstays, declined to sign a lucrative contract with Jakarta FC after “a week of soul searching.”
The Indonesian club, a member of the breakaway National Football Indonesia Reform Movement offered the Fil-Britons a contract that included a $24,000 signing bonus, an $8,000 monthly salary, game bonuses, and other incentives. They sent four of their emissaries to court the brothers who admitted to being smitten by the offer that was difficult to turn down.
“It had to be perfect,” described Phil Younghusband, the younger of the two former Chelsea FC reserves. “We had to make sure that our family, friends, and business partners were on board on this. There were complications that did not make it perfect. There was politics involved. The league was not sanctioned by FIFA. It just wasn’t perfect.”
In Article 77 of the FIFA statutes, stipulates that "matches may not be played or sporting contracts made between members and associations that are not members of FIFA or provisional members of the confederations, or their clubs, without the approval of FIFA. Matches against teams whose players do not belong to a club or a league affiliated to a FIFA member are prohibited."
In Article 77 of the FIFA statutes, stipulates that "matches may not be played or sporting contracts made between members and associations that are not members of FIFA or provisional members of the confederations, or their clubs, without the approval of FIFA. Matches against teams whose players do not belong to a club or a league affiliated to a FIFA member are prohibited."
“Was it difficult?” asked James. “Just a bit. It was flattering to be wanted. But our priority is the Philippine National Team and our football academy. We made commitments that we have to live up to.”
“This doesn’t mean we’re closing the door on future offers,” added Phil. “It just has to be perfect.”
Sir, was this earlier at ADMU field. I saw you.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I am happy that they prioritized being able to play for the National Team and their commitment to TYHA.
Although, there's a part of me wanting them to be part of a Club. Maybe, to help them find a match fit. BUT ofcourse, as to Phil "it has to be perfect"
Thank you for sharing this news :)
It takes one to have guts! The offer can be so deceiving. It's way too huge!!..WOW!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a love for country and the sport:D
Kudos to the Younghusbands then. XD
good decision based on objective criteria.. something was not right indeed. its not jz abt d money but doing things right.
ReplyDeleteI am glad they made this decision. FIFA has already threatened sanctions against this rebel league and the Younghusbands could have been caught in the middle of that and unable to play for us. Besides I have read that players don't always get paid in Indonesia so it is a risk.
ReplyDeleteI would just wait until they train in Germany so scouts can see them. I still have hopes they can play in Europe but if a better offer comes from a more reputable league here in Asia they should consider that also.
Good decision by James and Phil. I'm not a football expert but based on the concerns mentioned by Phil, it was best not to accept the offer until it was perfect.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I still want both of them to play for a premier league. Who knows, if things go really well for the Younghusbands and the national team this year, opportunities from other top clubs would open. I'm optimistic there would be though, James & Phil are dedicated and talented athletes.
yeah, they made the right decision! :)
ReplyDeleteI think indonesia was so desperate to have the Younghusband brothers to their club and next to their team after Irfan Bachim(the asset of their N. football team) had left.. The Philippines shouldn't allow other countries to use the talents we had and for Indonesia, they must be contented from what they have coz it is a kind of selfishness to get this 2 guys here after knowing that the Philippines really need them! (sorry for my grammar)
ReplyDeletei hope it pays off.their commitment to the flag.
ReplyDelete