FIFA Quota Fallout: What Motivates Foreign Footballers Pride or Pennies?

The opening picture of this articled gets right to the heart of the matter. Four Brazilian players with a Champions league trophy firmly in their grasp.

Not since 1999 has there been a Champions League Final without Brazilian participation, this year of course being no different.

Brazil alone exported 1085 players in 2007 officially with an undetermined number of unofficial transfers later to be signed as if they were home grown in Europe.

More than 220 of these players alone went to Portugal. On could argue then that perhaps the major part of the Portuguese first division is Brazilian. The rest were divided into the Spanish, Italian, French, German and English leagues along with a few to other European countries.

Bear in mind folks that this is just one year and just Brazil. The 2008 figures will be out in November.

This massive exodus of talent from South America and Africa to Europe begs the question: Why do they do it? Why do people leave their homeland and go abroad to ply their trade?

There seems to be a common misconception in the minds of the fans. British EPL fans tend to imagine that the allure of their mighty clubs is the obvious reason for the signings. Italians and Spanish are no different as it is considered an honour to play in their prestigious clubs.

Nothing could be further from the truth however. Misguided disillusioned fans should realise that the driving factor behind any signing is purely financial.

Brazilian lads growing up dream of playing in Brazilian clubs. The common belief in Brazil is that other countries are of a lower grade. A very tiny elite in Brazil give any attention at all to foreign clubs. These are the facts.

To convince a player to leave his dream club in Brazil you must show him the money. Many players have even returned or turned to alcohol or other means of getting through the ordeal of playing in Europe.

To stay away from one`s family is quite an undertaking for Brazilians. To suffer the cold weather and strange food is not easy either. Last but not least is to wear the jersey that means nothing and raise trophies that bring the happiness of knowing that endorsements are right around the corner instead of bringing pride.

This false empty life can only be worth it if well compensated.

So to sum it up it should be stated that a foreign player in Europe is very much like an Alaskan crab catcher: It`s all about the money.

It makes you wonder if FIFA`s new quota system is not designed to get some pride back into the game. Those against it must have a lot at stake penny-wise.