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May 12, 2005

Zapatistas challenge Inter Milan to a game

Years ago, sitting in a chaotic restaurant in Ho Chi Minh city (how's that for showing off!), our Vietnamese hosts on learning that I was Irish beamed and gave me an international greeting - "Roy Keane - Irish - Yes". In the days before Keane's childish Saipan tantrum, this was a novel and welcome greeting. Better that you be recognised for the on-field achievements of Keane than for the explosive abilities of the IRA.

Aside from saving me that potential embarassment, it was a potent reminder that football, soccer, calcio, call it what you will, is a global sport/industry.

Watching the Italian serie A, one might wonder why? This year, as is the case most years, the championship rested between the two richest teams Juventus and AC Milan. The competition is plagued by dodgy refereeing decisions, scandals, and the suspicion that perhaps it's more than just nimble feet and fantasia that count.

Currently third ranking team, Internazionale Milan, have been offered an intriguing challenge that has brightened up a dull season. Issued through intermediaries from the Lacondan Jungle of Chiapas, Mexico, Subcommandante Marcos, leader of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, has challenged Roberto Mancini's team to a game in Chiapas.

The text of the challenge reads as follows:
"I write to you to formally invite you to a game of football between your team and the representative team of the EZLN at a date, place and time to be decided. Because of the affection that we hold for you, we're prepared to not overwhelm you with goals [...]. I hope that you accept this proposal, and that you don't rush to sell the transmission rights because the exclusive belongs to the zapatista intergalactic system (the only television that one reads). You'll have to bring the ball, because all of ours are punctured. Awaiting your response we will train on penalty kicks (we have to go past full time, to give the maximum enjoyment to our supporters) and prepare a great celebration for our first goal"[1].

The reason for choosing Inter? It may well be because of the club's footballing prowess. Also weighing in is the support given by the club to Chiapas. Argentinian Javier Zanetti, the team captain, convinced the club to donate cash, an ambulance, and his own black and blue shirt to the villagers of Zinacantán in April, after their village was reportedly destroyed by the Mexican military.

Zanetti included a note: "We believe in a better world, in an unglobalised world, enriched by the cultural differences and customs of all the people. This is why we want to support you in this struggle to maintain your roots and fight for your ideals" [2].

How can a giant football team with superstar players oppose globalisation? Is it realistic to expect expensive players like Vieri, Zanetti, and Adriano to turn out against a balaclaved EZLN eleven? What is Zapatista intergalactic TV all about? All questions to which this blog has no answers. Inter Chairman, Massimo Moratti (an oil baron) is reputedly giving consideration to the challenge.

One thing is for sure - judging by the media obsession with football, were the match to go ahead it would rekindle discussion and interest in the Zapatistas. Last year was the tenth anniversary of the start of their rebellion.

Links:


The Zapatistas in Cyberspace

Inter Milan - Official Site

Posted by 3Monkeys at May 12, 2005 11:41 AM

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