FIFA’s limitations have resulted in football becoming more boring and predictable
Jogo Bonito, or “beautiful game”, is traditionally a term that describes the style and philosophy of Brazilian football. It is based on flair, creativity and improvisation, rather than rigid tactics and physicality. Jogo Bonito has produced some of the most memorable and spectacular plays in football history, such as Pele’s dummy against Uruguay in 1970, Zico’s backheel against New Zealand in 1982, and Romario’s lob against Sweden in 1994.
However, FIFA, the governing body of world football, has banned some of the plays and techniques that made it possible, and this has a negative impact on the game, its fans, and, according to the best betting agent, on football betting in general.
The most controversial prohibitions
Jogo Bonito is a style that has captivated most fans and betters around the world for decades, as it showcases the artistry and unpredictability of the game. And even if we can argue that some prohibitions by FIFA are probably well-founded, the following two are the most controversial ones:
- The rabona
A rabona is a technique where a player kicks the ball with their back leg crossed behind their front leg. It is usually done when the player’s preferred foot is on the wrong side of the ball, or when they want to surprise or confuse the opponent. Some of the players who have used it successfully are Ricardo Quaresma, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik Lamela.
For example, Lamela scored a stunning rabona goal from outside the box for Tottenham Hotspur against Asteras Tripolis in 2014. However, FIFA considers the rabona a dangerous play and has penalised players who attempt it. For instance, Quaresma was booked for a rabona cross for Besiktas against Bursaspor. Most fans and betters alike will argue that the rabona is a skillful and artistic expression that should be encouraged rather than discouraged.
- The elastico
An elastico is a dribbling move where a player flicks the ball with the outside of their foot, then quickly changes direction and touches it with the inside. It is also known as the flip-flap or the snake bite. It is a very effective way to beat defenders and create space. Some of the players who have mastered it are Rivelino, Ronaldinho and Neymar.
For example, Ronaldinho performed an amazing elastico to nutmeg Sergio Ramos for Barcelona against Real Madrid in 2005. However, FIFA deems the elastico an unsporting behaviour and has warned players not to use it. In 2018, Neymar was criticised by FIFA’s technical director Marco van Basten for using the elastico too much at the World Cup. Once again, fans, top bookmakers offered via agent, and the best football tipsters love this play and consider it a clever and deceptive way to beat defenders and create chances.
Negative consequences
One of the reasons why FIFA’s limitations on Jogo Bonito hurt football, including the betting sector, is that they cause the loss of creativity and flair in the game. FIFA has implemented rules and regulations that have restricted the freedom and expression of players who practise Jogo Bonito.
The previous controversial moves are examples of how Jogo Bonito players use their imagination and skill to create opportunities and advantages in the game. However, by discouraging or punishing these moves, FIFA is taking away the element of surprise and spectacle that makes football betting more exciting and rewarding.
When betters see players perform these moves, they are more likely to place bets on them to score or assist goals, or to win awards or accolades. However, when these moves are banned or penalised, betters lose interest and motivation to bet on these players or teams, as they are less likely to see them produce something extraordinary or unexpected.
FIFA’s limitations on Jogo Bonito have also influenced most teams and players to adopt similar styles and strategies that are more pragmatic and defensive than creative and offensive. This means that most teams and players play in a way that is more cautious and conservative than adventurous and expressive.
This results in football becoming more boring and predictable, with fewer goals, fewer surprises and fewer variations. For example, in the 2018 World Cup, only 2.64 goals were scored per match on average, which is lower than the previous three editions. Those figures didn’t improve at all for the Qatar 2022 edition.
A possible solution
These statistics show how football has become a little bit duller and uniform, with less diversity and dynamism. This affects the football betting market, as it makes it harder to find value and opportunities for betting on different outcomes and events. Bookies are less likely to offer bets for high-scoring matches or high-scoring teams or players, or on unexpected results or upsets.
Fortunately, other bookmakers keep offering them despite FIFA’s limitations on creativity. Yet, most of them are only available through a betting agent, which is a company that acts as a link between punters and one or more bookmakers. This can give you access to better odds, higher limits, and more markets, especially in the Asian region.
And regarding reliable and convenient betting agents, you definitely must consider BET-IBC. It is considered the best betting agent for both Sportsbooks and Exchanges because it offers you access to a wide range of markets, competitive odds, fast payouts, and excellent customer service.
Whether you want to bet on football or any other sport, you can find the best options with BET-IBC. You can also enjoy the benefits of betting exchanges, or have access to multiple bookies with one account. This is the ultimate choice for smart and savvy bettors who believe that Jogo Bonito is not dead as long as there are players willing to use their love for the sport to full their creativity. If you are one of those and want to maximise your profits, consider having a betting account through the best agent!