Euro doesn’t have many takers

Jun 05, 2012 |

Kochi

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After the FIFA World Cup 2010, football fans in Kerala have had another opportunity to cheer for world leaders with the kick-off to Euro 2012 on June 8.

Though the cup is being held thousands of kilometres away from the State, the fervour and enthusiasm of the fans is as high but does not match that of the FIFA World Cup 2010 celebrations.

As Latin American Football is out of action, the European championship has become a subdued one, compared to the FIFA World Cup and Copa America tournament.

“The kind of preparation and fan following is missing in the Euro championship. However, there will be several people in local areas who coordinate fan meetings during the matches but the fervour of Copa America and the FIFA World Cup is missing,” says Malappuram district football Association Secretary, Mohammed Saleel.

A fervent fan of Latin American football in Kozhikode, the Nainamvalappu Football Fans Association is yet to plan their celebrations during the top European fight.

“We will decide how we want to celebrate in a meeting to be held on Wednesday. There will be public screenings of the matches and other celebrations,” says association President N.V. Subair.

“However several players from Latin America are playing in the Euro championships. This has made us to follow European football and thus Euro Cup will also be watched enthusiastically,’’ he said.

Bhagat Soccer is a popular football club based in Kochi and it has been a propelling force in the promotion of the game in central Kerala.

The club’s members were among the few spectators who arrived to occupy mostly empty galleries during Chirag United Kerala's home matches in the I-League.

When it comes to international football events, Bhagat Soccer has had a particular interest interested in international football, especially during the World Cup. However, even their interest has been a bit dampened for the Euro.

“During the World Cup, we promoted the fans of each team and organised big screen viewings, but we are a bit sceptical about the popularity of the Euro Cup,” says Chandran of Bhagat Soccer.

“Brazil and Argentina have the most fan following and hence the World Cup had more glamour. We haven't thought of screening the Euro games so far, but we might once the tournament gets to the knockout stages,” he said.

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