The Rise Of Australasia - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Hessman

Translator: 549690339

After more than a month of thorough renovations, Arthur and his entire royal family moved into the Manor House in the winery.

The top floor of the Administrative Building was transformed into the Cabinet Office, Meeting Room, and House of Commons meeting room.

Just a few days after moving in, Arthur’s Manor House received an unexpected guest, Hessman from the Netherlands.

This name might not be well-known in history, but it played a significant role in the development of the World Football Association.

Hessman was the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association at that time.

In the late 19th Century, modern football gradually spread from Europe to the rest of the world. In developed countries, it had already become a popular sport.

More and more people were willing to spend their leisure time on the green field, experiencing excitement and exhilaration they had never felt before.

Even after football entered the Olympic Games for the first time eight years ago, the success of football indirectly measured whether a country was powerful or not, and many national football associations were established.

However, as the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association, Hessman should not have had any connection with Australia. After all, Australia did not have a football association or any football clubs at that time.

Despite his doubts, Arthur did not decline to meet this guest. After all, Hessman was one of the first initiators of FIFA, which would not be established until four years later.

What does FIFA represent? The World Cup created by FIFA is one of the most popular sports in the world. Held every four years, the World Cup attracts attention from a large number of countries and individuals worldwide.

It is necessary to win the favor of such talent. After all, once FIFA is established in the future, Arthur could take advantage of today’s goodwill to win the opportunity to host the World Cup for Australia.

Hosting such an event would greatly enhance Australia’s popularity and attractiveness.

In the reception hall of the Manor House, Arthur was meeting this guest who had come from afar.

Hessman may not look impressive, but who would have thought that the Dutch Football Association and the French Football Association, led by Hessman, would jointly promote the establishment of FIFA, one of the most famous sports associations in the world?

“Good morning, Mr. Hessman. What important matter brings you all the way to Australia?” Arthur asked with a smile.

“Your Highness, please allow me to state my purpose. Football has undergone a long period of development in Europe, and I believe it is time to establish a unified world football association to manage and coordinate players and matches between national football associations. However, my view has not been endorsed by most European countries, or rather, they are not intending to fully support the establishment of FIFA,” Hessman said directly.

“So? If European countries don’t agree, you should persuade them. Australia doesn’t have the power to make European countries agree to establish FIFA together,” Arthur said with a smile.

On the surface, the establishment of FIFA is just a matter for clubs and football associations, but in reality, without the consent of European governments, it would be nearly impossible to establish FIFA.

“Your Highness, European countries do not oppose the establishment of FIFA, but they will not do anything for FIFA either.” Hessman said with a bitter smile, “Unless the FIFA competition is rigged to ensure their victory, they will not provide financial support.”

Football is a highly competitive sport, and due to its participation in two Olympic Games, it has garnered great attention from countries around the world.

Under such circumstances, if the newly established FIFA compromises and rigs the championship, the reputation of the new organization could be severely damaged, or even quickly dissolved.

Hessman is not foolish. Although he eagerly anticipates and desperately hopes for the establishment of FIFA, it does not mean that FIFA must compromise with any power.

In fact, as the most authoritative and official organization in the future football industry, FIFA must be fair and just.

Therefore, Hessman and the French Football Association decided to look for countries willing to support FIFA and not put forward too many demands.

“So you think Australia would support you?” Arthur asked with a light laugh after understanding Hessman’s intentions.

“Why not, Your Highness? If you are willing to support the establishment of FIFA, I can assure you that Australia will have the right to host two World Cups within thirty years,” Hessman said with a smile. “I believe you are aware that football has gained significant influence in Europe, and even the football team that wins the Olympic Games will be sought after by the entire country. Under such circumstances, hosting a global competition would attract a large number of people worldwide, and the revenue generated by tourists alone could be enough to cover the costs. With the spotlight on hosting the competition, you can significantly increase your country’s immigration influence. If all it takes is a small investment, why not go for such a good deal?”

Hessman had a sharp eye, targeting Australia’s need to increase its international reputation and attract immigrants incessantly tempting Arthur.

In fact, the first World Cup was hosted by Uruguay, the Olympic football champion at the time, and attracted a lot of attention in South America.

However, due to tight schedules and financial constraints, many teams did not participate in the World Cup, which greatly reduced its influence.

But it cannot be denied that the World Cup was a success. The stadiums were almost full, and the Uruguayan government even had to deploy the military to maintain order.

If Australia could host a World Cup, it might significantly increase its influence internationally when given enough time.

“Is that so? You’re making me tempted,” Arthur laughed heartily, but his smile faded quickly, and he said with a deeper meaning, “If I support the establishment of FIFA, where will FIFA’s headquarters be located?”

That was indeed a crucial question. Hessman looked at Arthur’s subtle smile and knew that if he said the FIFA headquarters would be located elsewhere, the meeting would probably end right there..