There is no event more captivating and beloved than a final in sport. It’s an opportunity for two teams to fight for their place in history, with the winning side entitled to their name in the record books. More importantly, it is an event that is not burdened by outside influences seeking to make a quick profit from events that could unite the country or even the world. At least that’s what we have come to expect.
The World Cup goes far beyond the traditional confines of sport, creating a rare moment of global pause where cultures can cross paths, interact and create lifelong memories for billions around the world. Nevertheless, the aftermath of the final was extremely disappointing. While many were unhappy with the actions of Leandro Paredes and the Argentine team, it was the dogged determination of Donald Trump to insert himself into Spain’s trophy lift, a moment that should be reserved for the Spanish team and its fervent supporters, that hinted at the sharks looming around the soul of football. It was an ominous warning for what was to be announced.
The subdued celebrations of ‘La Furia Roja’ soon gave way to worldwide fury when
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans for the World Cup to sell a stake to private
investors, notably including Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump. An action that can only be compared to the failed Super League project from April 2021, with one common thread: JP Morgan. Infantino’s plan would receive an unmerciful rejection for its attempts to sell off an event beloved by billions for a quick buck. However, the plan also poured cold water over what should have been a week of unbridled joy for Spain, and that is where we cut away to Croke Park.
A combination of youthful spirit and battle-hardened lynchpins would carry Spain and Mayo to the top, with their paths to victory beginning with a quiet setback and ending with a deafening crescendo. Fortunately for Mayo, this is where the similarities conclude. Jarlath Burns and the G.A.A. did not seek to make the greatest modern-day story in the history of Gaelic Football about anything other than what it was: a date with destiny for the Mayo people. They chose to amplify the story, to allow the people of Mayo to ‘enjoy it’, heeding the instructions of Andy Moran from the post-match press conference after the semi-final. The media focused on the actual team, immortalising them into G.A.A. folklore as a group that was unburdened by seventy-five years of heartbreaks, including eleven finals lost.
Nobody from other counties attempted to begrudge Mayo for their celebrations, for they could see the joy that comes from finally taking the chance ‘To Win Just Once’. Such sentiment was still on show in late August at Electric Picnic as the Mayo team joined The Saw Doctors on stage for what felt like the culmination of a month of memories.
Seven days separated the victories of Spain and Mayo. However, the aftermath of their respective victories revealed a much larger chasm. One sport attempted to use its tournament showpiece for the sole purpose of extracting more cash, a culmination of decades of monetisation of ‘the beautiful game’, which only sought to taint its beauty. The other sport made every effort to uplift the pure beauty of its showpiece and simply offered an opportunity to the world to see.
Brendan White – Contributor