Posted By
kaychin on
24 Jan 10, Sun |
Permalink
A few nights ago, a reporter from The New Paper called and asked if I would pay $100 to watch the coming World Cup.
Half awake, I told him yes, because the tournament comes only once every four years and if I were to read about it in the papers and internet and could not watch the matches, I would feel very frustrated.
After hanging up, I couldn't sleep, mostly because I realized how stupid I was, to let a greedy organization hold me to ransom.
I called the reporter back told him that I thought about it and my bottom line would be $20.
For the last two World Cups, I refused to pay the extra and ended watching a few matches at pubs.
Although the amount I spent was much higher than if I were to pay for the subscriptions, I did not complain.
Because I knew I could be in control, and most of the money was spent on drinks.
I just think that this fiasco is getting out of hand and it is making Singapore looks like a punching bag, especially if we were to agree to the terms meted out by FIFA.
And I am adamant that it doesn't happen.
As reported, FIFA opened its big mouth after realizing that Singtel paid many times over its competitor to gain the exclusive rights to the BPL broadcast.
The world football body, has assumed wrongly, that Singtel's willingness to take the financial risk means all Singaporeans are happy to take the price increase without a protest.
It assumes that the individuals don't have choices.
FIFA can't be more wrong.
Even as a loyal football fan, I am not even entertaining the idea of streaming Mio into my house, not even if it is free, for as long as Singtel cannot assure me that the feed will be good.
I really don't how but some Singaporeans reasoned that the Singapore Pools should foot the bill.
Why?
Just because it makes money from football betting?
The punters don't care if the game is telecast or not.
The betting will go on.
They don't even care if a goal is scored by a hand or a leg, unless there is a side bet on that.
After failing to gain enough support to get Pools to budge, some people turn to the usual suspect - the Singapore Government - to get things done.
My fellow countrymen, if the Government has an extra $100m, I say we either give it to Haiti or the ST Pocket Money Fund.
And if neither of them is good enough to deserve it, consider putting aside that sum to build a real National Stadium.
Some people won't agree with me but I really think for too long, Singaporeans get pushed around because many have the impression that the thing we know best is hiding behind the big mother hen.
If there is absolutely one thing the Government needs to do this time, it will be to tell the telcos, "We have a policy of not negotiating with terrorists and bullies, and that also means FIFA."
The telcos should just tell FIFA this, "Our last price is X, take it or leave it."
In the end, they will realize that something is better than zero.
And if we still don't get to watch it, so what?
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