Quote: JEAN CAPDOUZE "But soccer seems to have a hard core following in Australia through their A-League. David Beckham, the husband of Victoria Beckham, is even considering going to play in that League next season. Also, Australians seem to like celebrity sportsmen, whatever the sport. How else can you explain the public tickets for the Man U game selling out in one hour?'"
Because JB Down Under is telling porky pies. The sport is much bigger in Australia than some people would lead you to believe.
Manchester United are a big brand in Australia. And the Premier League as a whole is a big deal. You always see EPL results/highligts on the major sports news as an example. I read the other day that of the most Googled sports club in Australia, 4 of the top 10 were football teams, with 3 of them being Liverpool, ManUtd and Chelsea (Liverpool were 2nd overall).
The A-League just recently signed a 4 year TV deal worth 25m quid a year. To put that in perspective, the Super Leagues contract is worth 18m a year. And A-League is an 8 year old competition. Their crowds are rebounding and are averaging 12,500. Their national team also gets widespread coverage, interest and crowds. And as is seemingly the case everywhere, the participation numbers dwarf both rugby league and rugby union.
None of this is to say that soccer is as popular as rugby league or Aussie rules, but its nothing like what JB makes it out. Its arguable that its in a much better position than RL in the UK.
When LA Galaxy played Sydney FC they sold out the 80,000 seat stadium with Beckham coming. Thats a no name American team. Throw in the biggest club in world sport, and youre likely to get people to go.
