End of the day, I think they are both in it just for the money.
Just like any club would. Be it Barcelona, Real Madrid...... I say
they are all in it for the money.
Sometimes, business in modern world is like that. You have to do
something humanitarian or socially beneficial to raise your
profile. Like how some companies have adopted charities.
It's also no secret that China has been opening itself up and is
always a market any business wants to explore, not just soccer
itself.
Also, not speaking on Chelsea specifically, all these club
activities in other countries be it friendly matches, soccer
clinics, soccer schools are aimed at promoting the name of the
club, raising it's profile. It's not the money earned from the
activities itself, it's the merchandising even after the club has
left. You like how pop starts do 'xuan chuan'?
If you read papers about a year back, you would also know Asia is
regarded the Holy Grail in soccer betting. I don't how to explain
it, but it links to why European soccer clubs are looking towards
furthering their brand name in Asia as well.
As for improving asian soccer itself, there is more than one way to
do it. Giving money/grants is one thing. Clinics are like gifts in
kind rather than in hard cash. Matches, even friendly ones, expose
asian players to a better or different type of football when
playing against these teams. There is no real learning experience
like a match itself.
I know Ghimpheng that end of the day, you idolise Chelsea and they
can do no wrong to you. You are not without your point on this
issue but maybe to give you a more balanced view.
But coming back to topic, the issue is just about clash of
schedule. That's all. If you ask me, I think AFC has severly
overeacted to this. They are not without their reasons or concerns,
but I think it could have been handled differently. Which is why I
think Bear said that AFC is disgraceful as well.
Sepp Blatter himself said this
'm sure if such a case will be presented to the club, Manchester
United, that the organisers of the tour will understand such a
situation.
I don't know if you just want to take a pot shot at Man U or
just want to put in a good word for Chelsea. All I'm saying is to
take things into totality and perspective.
Besides, it's an invitation to Man U to play there, they did not
come in insisting to play on that date.
