Why I do not believe in end-of-season Play-OffsThe very mention of the word “playoffs” triggers excitement, anticipation and nerves all in one. These unique two legged football occasions are widely used to decide promotion as well as relegation arguments. Many supporters look forward these matches as they bring League seasons to an absorbing climax…. but I don’t.
Our local Premier Soccer League and First Divisions use a playoff to decide the second relegation and promotion spots. England’s lower divisions use playoffs to determine who wins the last promotion berth and the leagues in Italy have also been known to use two legged playoff ties to decide the rights to a place in Europe.
As exciting as the playoffs are to watch, I must confess my opposition to using them for league matters. As a league purist and traditionalist I always believe that league games played out during a tough season and only they alone, should determine who finishes where. I do not believe that battles for continental spots or relegation arguments should come down to this because that is what knockout competitions are for.
By introducing playoffs to end a league season, football associations are in essence giving clubs a second chance to achieve a goal that they did not play well enough to reach during a regular league campaign. A prime local example is Thanda Royal Zulu, who finished second last in the PSL.
Thanda will have to play off against First Division opposition to save their top flight status. For me, their second from bottom finish should mean they are relegated along with bottom feeders Bay United because they had a whole season and 30 games to save themselves!
Worse than giving the PSL team another chance they don’t deserve, this system penalises high finishing First Division teams who for me should go straight into the Premiership if they do well enough. In other words, the top sides in the inland and coastal streams should go straight into the top flight and not have to wrestle for the right after doing so well in their leagues.
My argument is that leagues are unique because they require clubs to get points on the board over a marathon length of time. Bringing a playoff element or any other ingredient to it does to some extent pour cold water on the need to be consistent throughout the season.
I am a firm believer that every team gets an equal number of league games to achieve its objectives, meaning no one has an excuse. Yes they are a few variables over the course of a season like refereeing decisions or fixture congestion but the bottom line is the log doesn’t lie. If a team finishes a point or even a single goal short of a continental competition spot or league title, it is because the side above them did better.
No playoffs should come into it. Another case in point is England’s second tier, the Championship. In that league the top two get automatic promotion whilst the third promotion berth is decided via a mini play off tournament between the next four in the log.
Again, it makes for riveting viewing and emotions to mark the season’s conclusion. For me, however, it’s ridiculous for a club that finished in third place to have to face number six for the prize: a place in a promotion playoff final!
I am all for bringing a drama filled crescendo to another football season but this is not the way to do it. Excitement should not negate fairness in our sport and for me, fairness is for the league to be finish and klaar come the ref’s final whistle after the last week of the league marathon. Yes it is sad to see any team relegated or missing out on a Top 8 spot because of a tiny margin but the league’s points rule must be respected to maintain the league format’s prestige.
The only time playoffs should come into effect in a league situation is when two teams chasing one position are deadlocked on points, goal difference, head to head, goals for, goals against, most wins and least losses in the final analysis. Whilst this may not be impossible, I think you will agree that it is highly unlikely. Until that happens, playoffs should be saved for cup ties because after all, that’s what gives knockout competition such an edge.
Written by Kanyiso Colani for www.safootballfans.co.za
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We do not want your rules or what you believe. Just keep kicking the ball and working very hard then you will not worry about anything. A good team can play anytime and anywhere and win. If you are good at what you are doing and love what you are doing then no problem follow ballpark principles. But then if you are a chancer we aint got time to baby sit your fears. Rules are made and democratically voted for and know the season is over you start your lamentations, no,no,no. You did not weep when the season got started, you knew exactly what the rules were in advance. Why is Jomo not crying about the same thing you are talking about. Jomo went out there, it was tough and very tough may I add. Sometimes he played a draw yet not one squicky word came out of his mouth. Do the same, work very hard and when the season is over it will show. The English man said "let the best team win". He did not say "let the cry babby fan cry". This is recreation and not a political party. We are in soccer for entertainment and recreation. We do not have slots for complaints, that takes away the whole purpose of recreation. Life does not end in kicking soccer but soccer does take away some of our social preasures. You have right to feel the way you do but its not about "I do not believe ...". Its all about us collectively and what has been decided. FIFA does not rank us for nothing, we must be doing something good. Next time you want to kill time go pick up papers in your back yard, cut grass and clean dog poop. Start your own league and then you can make own rules then you can say " I believe ..." Too much is at stake to listen to pitty party like you.
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