When Adelaide United admitted that coach Aurelio Vidmar wouldn’t be allowed to lead his team into their second Asian Champions League campaign this month all you could do was laugh or cry (depending on whether you’re a Reds fan or not I suppose).
For those who missed it, the Asian Football Confederation has ruled that Aurelio Vidmar is ineligible to coach Adelaide in the tournament due to AFC regulations stipulating that coaches for the continental tournament must possess an AFC A Licence. Unfortunately for ‘Viddy’, he has only got as far as completing his B license.
So now Joe Mullen will take charge of Adelaide for their 2010 ACL campaign. At least he will on paper anyway with United confirming Vidmar will still fulfil his usual duties.
It’s farcical really. Having to name your youth team coach as head coach due to your actual gaffer not having the appropriate license only he wont actually be doing any real coaching. Are you still following?
However, I’m happy to say that for a change, the blame shouldn’t fall at Adelaide’s door.
The implementation of the AFC’s coaching regulations is part of a raft of recent changes made to the ACL by the Asian Football Confederation to help professionalise the tournament.
Most of these moves have been good ones but the problems have come with the AFC’s blanket approach to implementing their regulations.
In this case Adelaide claim that that the reason Vidmar hasn’t got his A license yet is because of the time constraints that come with being a professional coach, including taking Adelaide through their first two Asian Champions League campaigns. Vidmar is currently halfway through a modified FFA course.
Unsurprisingly the AFC weren’t convinced. I say “unsurprisingly” not because of the paucity of Adelaide’s excuse but due to the AFC’s track record with dealing with this sort of situation.
Yes, Vidmar needs to get his license, but the AFC need to understand that simply refusing a coach permission to manage his team in the ACL on an unavoidable technicality doesn’t help anyone.
This case reminds me of the AFC’s determination that all “East Asian” games in the ACL must start at the same time. 7pm kick-offs might be ideal for the sponsorship haven that is Japan but the equivalent 8pm start doesn’t help family clubs in Australia like the Central Coast Mariners. Their crowds in the tournament last year were partly testament to this.
It also reminds me of South China’s AFC Cup stadium dilemma caused by the Hong Kong Sevens, or Indian footballs’ coaching license troubles, or Melbourne Victory’s fixture congestion. The list of teething problems for the ACL’s “brave new world” that could have been avoided with a bit more common sense goes on and on.
So now Aurelio Vidmar, who managed Adelaide United to the 2008 Asian Champions League final and the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, is “unqualified” to lead his team. The only thing more ludicrous is the charade Adelaide will be going through to have their real coach in charge.
Its all good and well to model your continental competition on Europe’s gargantuan UEFA Champions League, but The AFC’s single-minded approach to implementing their rules has just made everyone look stupid. Including Asian football’s premier competition.
For a still developing tournament like the ACL, that’s a very bad thing.
Gibbo
Guest
*yawn* :D
Andyroo
Guest
Lavicka and Merrick have the relevant licenses already. Culina and Bleiberg were holding out from getting licenses as they think it’s beneath them to have to do a class with new coaches. Lavicka and Merrick are playing off for first place today…… Culina and Bleiberg work for unconventianal owners but you would think most CEO's would join the dots and people who continue to resist the new standards are fighting a losing battle.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
Davidde, it depends if it is a planned process or not. As it is only a relatively recent initiative to enforce coaching standards there are many coaches throughout the confederation who will be caught out. As such last year there were exceptions being made, though how many I do not know. This year there are no exceptions though head coaches may still participate as assistant coaches. Perhaps as time moves on this option will also be removed as less coaches have an excuse for not having their license. Hence if it is a staged process then the initiative is good, and if not then there needs to be a review as you noted. Crucially what are our other A-League coaches, both current and potential, doing? Are they all obtaining their licenses or are some maintaining the unhelpful stance that it is "below" them as has been insinuated in comments made last year?
Andyroo
Guest
I think we should just cop it sweet because the AFC are dealing with a lot of different cultures with different values. You starts making exceptions and all of a sudden their are loopholes to be exploited or claims of favoritism. They need as many black and white rules they can get despite lifes many shades of grey. In the ACL criteria there are plenty of rules that seem to just be, perhaps there is an obsession with the J league (the one Asian success story at club level) because all the rules boil down to is “copy the J league” (18 teams, P&R etc etc) regardless of your nations size or circumstances. I am certainly with you in regards to questioning some of these rules but in these cicrumstances I don't think we really want to create a loophole that would allow other ACL teams to use unqualified coaches.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
I did read it and chose not to mention it for the simple fact that Aurelio Vidmar did not coach a team in the ACL last season seeing as Newcastle and Central Coast competed. As it is, Vidmar is completing a specially put in place FFA A license course for all A-League coaches missing their A License. The initiative is there but the avenue hasn't been in place for Vidmar to get the license before now. But more importantly that doesn't detract from the main argument of my piece. That is: Coaching in the ACL hasn't been improved because Aurelio isn't technically the 'head coach' as he is still doing all the decision making and management. So why ban someone when nothing is actually changing? To make the point that you don't need an A license to coach in the ACL as long as you have someone pretend they're the coach who does? That's hardly great for Asian football.
dasilva
Guest
Davidde Corran Did you even read the line from Ben that Vidmar was exempted from the pro-license last year and was given one year notification that won't be allowed again. If that was true then Vidmar has no place to stand on as it shows that AFC already has shown its flexibility to give Vidmar exemption to ensure that there is a transitional period that allows the coach to get the necessary qualification. If the AFC banned Vidmar last year then maybe you would have a case but the fact is he has to make his own time to get his license done especially when he was forwarned that this could happen in a years time. Now why should Vidmar be given 2 years notice to get his pro-license instead of just one?
dasilva
Guest
Davidde Corran Seriously, did you even read the line from Ben that an exception for Vidmar was made last year. If that was true, well then there's no reason Vidmar has anything to complain about What more can AFC do then to give someone one year notification. If the AFC told Vidmar a year ago warning that you don't have the necessary qualifications but we will give you initial exemption this year but we won't be granting it next year then VIdmar has absolutely no place to stand on. as AFC already shown it's flexibility on the issue. Why must Vidmar be given two years notifications? SImple fact is Vidmar had to make the time to finish his qualification if he wanted to If AFC banned Vidmar last year then perhaps you would have a point.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
As I said a little bit further up this stance doesn't improve anything! They are simply standing by a regulation. In this case there isn't going to be a better manager in charge because of it so the level of coaching will be the same. The reason Vidmar hasn't got the qualifications is in part because he has been coaching in the ACL in the past and hasn't had the time. By the end of this year he will have full A license qualifications. Yes this needs to be implemented but a blanket approach to every case isn't consistently helping Asian football. I'm sorry but saying a coach can't be registered as their "head coach" only to have him still issuing all the instructions and making the calls while having a "dummy" head coach to fit in with the AFC regulations is a farce. It makes the competition look silly.
jimbo
Guest
Davidde, I didn't think the AFC looked stupid - they are trying to improve the standing and professionalism of the competition and I agree with their stance. Sure, in reality it'll just be Vidmar giving instructions anyway as the "assistant coach" but I'd like to think all A-League coaches should do as much managerial training as possible and go overseas and work with some top line coaches for experience and growth. I'm sure Viddie will find the time in the off season to do the exams and he will probably pass with flying colours. Lets see what results coach Mullen will get in the ACL this time.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
We might be new members of the AFC but we are still members. This isn't an Australian issue and complaint it is an Asian one. As members of the region we can contribute to the dialogue about what is best for Asian football. Their inexperience is exactly why they need to listen to the different perspectives from across football's largest confederation.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Ben this must be the first time I've disagreed with you! Yes improving coaching across the entire confederation is the priority but that's not what is happening. Vidmar will still be coaching his team he just wont have the title. So this decision wont change the quality of coaching. Instead it is a token move that makes everyone look stupid.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Clayton, Vidmar will still be in charge. Mullen is basically just being given the title. That is what makes it all the more farcical.
Davidde Corran
Roar Guru
Or instead they can engage the AFC in dialogue and suggest ways things can be improved. That sounds like a much better idea to me.
roary
Guest
Couldn't agree more. How hard is it for a guy who played in Europe for a decade as a pro, speaks reasonably well in English(so therefore he must be of at least average intelligence). Just go sit the exam. I crammed for uni exams in the sciences the night before and they would be much harder than something on the topic of how to setup the 4-4-2 or a triangle exercise. Failing that, just cheat. Pay of the Asians with a bribe. That is the way it is done up there.
Victer
Guest
I would also like to see more foreign spots
Axelv
Guest
It's very simple, we are new members of AFC, rather than complaining about everything maybe we should be thankful that we got accepted and not to mention the enormous benefits we get from it? No-one has forced us to be in the AFC. We wouldn't be where we are now without them. In saying that, i agree that alot of the AFC rules are regulations are illogical, but lets not forget that they are also a rather inexperienced organisation and football in Asia has only boomed in recent times.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
An exception was made last year for Vidmar and all have been informed that this would not happen again. The rules are there and need to be enforced if it is to be fair for all members, not just us. The rationale as to why the AFC enforces the rule is solid and if there are loop holes in the system then all sorts of people will fall through the cracks. Yes, I'd prefer Vidmar to be able to be coach in name as well as in actuality, however improving the standard of coaching across the entire confederation trumps that desire somewhat.
Davstar
Guest
I think in this case the AFC has got to do something to lift the standard i think they should of given Vidmar a exception and any other coaches and given them a 1 year warning its a bit harsh just banning imo he did get the team t the ACL. As for the AFC's 7pm kick offs in Japan thing and 8pm in australia is unfair but te AFC hate us we have to used to it heaps of nations dont like Australia. I dont like the AFC but but i like that Australia is part of it in contrast to Oceania. They treat us terrably but in time we will be accepted if NZ joins the AFC it might help with our relationship to not be seen as the only outsiders but for now we are going to have to take abuse of our playes, Lasers in our players eyes, Being called racist for not reason, Chants saying get out of Asia and now them raising the rules to disqualify our coaches. I read what the AFC aims to do with the ACL and by 2013 they wont allow teams that dont have Promotion/relegation to compete i dont know whats going to happen then, but to be honest i dont think its going to end well for us.
Footbal Person
Guest
Tis a little strange from AFC but we've come to expect that with the one of Japan final ( seriously ) :)
clayton
Guest
Right. So noone should complain. Ever. I disagree. We aren`t guests in the AFC. We are now members. And part of being a member is taking part in discussions about how things are run. Just cos we are the new boys and girls doesn`t mean that we should sit in the corner quietly. Being in the AFC has been great for us. Having us in the AFC has been great for the other AFC countries. Its one big love in. But back to Viddy - what if the team plays better with Mullen in charge? Not sure if Viddy was part of the solution while they were having the current train wreck of a season.