spiritual
Martin Thorpe
Football may be a religion but it does not appeal to the pope in its present incarnation. God’s assistant manager has laid down the law to some of the European game’s movers and shakers about the dangers of Mammon.
During a 45-minute audience with a high- powered Uefa delegation at the Vatican on Monday, Pope John Paul II drew on his love of the game to counsel against the growing influence of money – on the day that figures were released showing Premiership wages fast heading for the 2-billion barrier.
The pontiff did not quite preach about the wages of sin but against the dangers of football losing sight of the fact that it is, at the end of the day, a sport.
“Football shouldn’t become submerged by financial interests,” said the former goalkeeper, demonstrating how he has kept his eye on the ball when it comes to spiralling television deals, transfer fees and salaries. “It ought to be more about the excellence of performing than about possession.
“Football must look to develop human and spiritual qualities. It is a diverse sport but the managers, agents and the media working within it should ensure that it never loses its essential characteristic as a sporting activity.”
Warming to his theme, he also warned of the dangers of false idols. “Players – especially the most famous ones – should never forget they are role models for young people. It is very important for them to show human and spiritual qualities and set favourable examples.
“Football must rid itself of everything that prevents it from being a positive example of solidarity, brotherhood and mutual respect.”
The meeting was organised by the Italian FA, who invited representatives of all 51 members of Uefa to a weekend celebration of the millennium and the pope’s jubilee. The delegation invited to the pope’s audience numbered about 160 and included the chief executive Gerhard Aigner and the Football Association’s executive director, David Davies.
“Meeting the pope was a very moving experience,” said Davies. “He is an immense figure on the world stage, revered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Such an opportunity comes once in a lifetime. I thought it was quite a humbling experience. It was a privilege that I will never forget.”
Earlier Davies had used the weekend to lobby the Uefa representatives about England’s 2006 World Cup bid. But that does not mean God is now on England’s side. “I shook hands with the pope,” added Davies, “but so did Germany’s representative.”