SOCCER

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12528, 13 April 1935, Page 11

SOCCER

SOCCER AT OLYMPIC GAMES OF 1936. OATH FOR COMPETITORS MAY CAUSE DIFFICULTIES. Ti appears that Association football will be included in the programme of the Olympic Games to he held in Berlin in 1936. The International Olympic Committee ami the International Association Football Federation have been discussing the question, and the German authorities, who are extremely anxious for a tournament, to be held, have been doing all they can to facilitate matters. Oountr.es will be allowed to compete “according to their rule governing the game. On the surface an Olympic tournament, may not appear difficult to organise (comments an English paper). There are, however, < serious obstacles Olympic Games competitors take an oath to which no professional coiiTd conscientiously, subscribe, and it is an open .secret that thousands of footballers art paid in countries that have not recognised professionalism. It is suggested abroad tliiit the oath .should be modified, so players who receive ‘payment- for broken time” (in practice often more than they earn) may become Olympic competitors; Countries which have adopted professionalism, would be represented by players selected from amateur clubs, while nations that are known toi pay their players but have never officially sanctioned payments could presumably select- the best in the conn try. It would be surprising if countries. like Austria, Hungary- and Czechoslovakia whose 'football prestige is high .would enclanger.it by opposing purely'amateur sides to strong neighbours fwho .made no 'distinction between amateurs and professionals. The date of-the Olympic tournament will also be difficult to, arrange. The Germans .favour August and most of the tithor pounHies May or June, 1936.