Amen. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor money will not make you more of a fan on a "just because" basis. Marco-judging by your theory then, Roman Abromovich is the only true Chelsea fan because of the money he put in right? Everyone else is just a sock puppet supporter. To be a fan-is to wear the jersey of your team win or lose with pride To be a fan-is to watch every game To be a fan-is to have to listen to every game BTW: Marco-you forget that half the benefits of becoming a member are only available while in Portugal.
97 Euros for a Sporting membership. http://www.sporting.pt/Servicos/Servicos_InscricaoSocios.asp 90 for Porto. http://www.fcporto.pt/Servicos/Socios/InscricaoSocios/Servicos_Socios_Inscricao.asp That being said, it is silly to say that the only way to be a real fan is to get a membership. For starters, not everyone can afford a membership. Also, there are other ways of providing revenue to the club (attending matches, buying jerseys and other paraphernali, etc.).
Im glad yousaid there are other ways of supporting you clubs.But the ways that you mentioned above allinvolve money.Buying a Benfica jersey cost 50 bucks,unless you import a cheap replica from Thailand.Attending a game involves money.And buying regular paraphernali involves monye.Money is the base of and goal of any business and football is a business. Roman Abramovich invested millions in a club that was Bankrupt and destined to be a new Leeds Utd relegated to the Coca Cola championship(equivalent of 2nd division).Yes heinvested but the fans backed him up by buying tickets for every home game ,by buying jerseys that allowed the club to cash in almost 4 million pounds.You cannot make money unless you invest .The millions that Abramovich inveasted are already having dividens.The contract that Chelseajust signed with their new sponsor SAMSUNG is giving Chelsea over 50 million. Unfortunatelly in Portugal a billionaire cannot just step in and buy a club. So its up to the fans to help the club.
Yeah, I noticed that after looking a little further. That said, the prices are comparable. And for Marco's point, a lot of folks don't want to spend money to be a socio, because of the management sometimes. If you're in Portugal, there are certainly benefits (discounted tickets, etc.). But here in the US, Canada, etc., most folks would rather get a jersey of their favorite team than a membership. And your Chelsea argument runs counter to what you're trying to say. The fans went out and bought tickets, jerseys, etc. because they spent all that money on Drogba, Robben, Carvalho, Ferreira, Cech, etc. And they got all those guys because they're bankrolled by a billionaire. Do you think Chelsea made money in either of the last two seasons? Do you think they'll make money next season, even with the Samsung deal?
It depends what you call making money.And i belive your contradicting yourself.If Chelsea handt spent money like they did ,would they be able to score a deal with Samsung like they did?I dont think so.So in my eyes they already made some money.And Chelseas plan is not to go crazy buying players every year.They will only sign 3 players this year a left back(Del Horno)Midfileder (Cisse) and a forward .Peter Kenyon says that Chelsea should be able to live and make money without Abramovich having to reac for his wallet within the next 2 years.