Is the Baller League getting in the way of the clubs?
Hardstuck Royale trainer comments
Thiago Calderaro
The Baller League, aiming to revitalise street football, has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy within the football community. The league seeks to bridge traditional football with the dynamic world of modern entertainment. However, its emergence and popularity raise questions: Does the Baller League stand in the way of amateur clubs?
The Case of FV Endenich
At FV Bonn-Endenich 1908 e.V., a Mittelrheinliga team, the participation of some of its key players in the Baller League led to significant internal tensions. The club found itself compelled to release five key players who had chosen to play in the league amidst a relegation battle. This decision highlights the potential conflicts between participation in the Baller League and commitments to the amateur club.
Sporting Director Markus Köppe described the league's impact on his team as viral, as it diverted his players' attention and focus from club football. The decision to put players before a choice – Baller League or club – resulted in all but one player, who returned to the club, opting for the league. Following initial criticism and the description of the league as a "virus", the club partially retracted its criticism. In a second video, Markus Köppe conceded that the participation of two or three players in the Baller League would have been acceptable and emphasised that the league itself is an exciting project that particularly appeals to young people. Köppe admitted that his earlier designation of the league as a "fairground league" was not meant to be derogatory but rather to highlight the entertaining and spectacular aspects of the league. The first video was later deleted following a conversation with one of the founders of the Baller League, Felix Starck. Köppe apologised to the former players and stressed that it was never his intention to provoke a "shitstorm" against them. The club now signalled its intention to focus entirely on the relegation battle.
Patrick Lange, coach of the Baller League team Hardstuck Royale, commented on the controversy in the podcast #einfachbesserfussballspielen (Episode 70). He noted that conflicts were foreseeable but believes that many could have been avoided with better communication between the Baller League and the clubs as well as between the players and their clubs. The players were already aware in December of the possibility of playing in the Baller League, and early voting could have helped avoid conflicts. Lange suggests that players should obtain written permission from their clubs before joining the league to nip such discussions in the bud. He underscores that the Baller League should not be seen as competition to amateur sport but as an additional offering that "brings back street football".
Commentary
The Baller League offers a unique platform that allows players to showcase their talent outside of traditional club football. However, this new form of competition requires an adapted approach regarding communication and coordination with amateur clubs. To improve the relationship between the Baller League and amateur clubs, earlier and more transparent communication should be established. Clubs should be informed in a timely manner when their players are interested in participating. This would not only avoid misunderstandings but also allow clubs to adjust their planning accordingly. A written participation confirmation from the clubs should be required in cases where players are under contract and their activities could potentially breach those contracts. However, for players without such contractual obligations, this is not necessary, in my opinion. The Baller League has the potential to play a complementary role in the football ecosystem by providing a platform for technical skills and visibility. By improving communication and cooperation with amateur clubs, it can be ensured that it is not seen as a competitor - which it definitely is not - but as an enrichment of traditional football.
Sources
2. https://ga.de/sport/regional/fv-endenich-kapitaen-oubelkhiri-verlaesst-baller-league_aid-107585299
4. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jkQcZRb4S9P7xQUGyAiC5?si=e2c41b1811e942cc
