Chapter 33 His Homan
After over a month of complete renovations, Arthur and the entire royal family moved into the estate at the winery.
The top floor of the former government building had since been converted into the Cabinet Office, meeting rooms, and the House of Commons chamber.
Just a few days after moving in, the estate received an unexpected visitor—His Homan from the Netherlands.
This name might not be well-known in history, but in the development of the World Football Association, he played a significant role.
His Homan was the Secretary General of the Netherlands Football Association.
In the late 19th century, modern football gradually spread from Europe to the rest of the world. Especially in more developed countries, football had evolved into a popular sport.
More and more people were willing to step onto the green pitch in their spare time to experience a thrill and excitement they had never felt before.
After football's debut at the Olympics eight years ago, the success of a national football team became a new, indirect symbol of a country's strength. Football associations began emerging rapidly in various countries.
Yet His Homan, as the Secretary General of the Netherlands Football Association, shouldn't have had any reason to be involved with Australia, especially given that Australia had neither a football association nor any football clubs at the time.
Though full of doubt, Arthur didn't refuse to meet with the guest. After all, His Homan was one of the earliest advocates for the creation of FIFA, which wouldn't officially be founded until four years later.
What does FIFA represent? The World Cup, created by FIFA, is one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world. Held every four years, it attracts the attention of nations and billions of people globally.
For someone like this, it was certainly worth gaining their favor. Who knew—if FIFA were successfully founded in the future, perhaps Arthur could use today's goodwill to help Australia secure the rights to host a World Cup.
Hosting such an event would bring a significant boost to Australia's visibility and appeal.
Inside the estate's reception hall, Arthur received the long-distance visitor.
His Homan appeared to be an unremarkable old man, but who would've thought that under his leadership—and in collaboration with the French Football Association—one of the world's most renowned sports organizations, FIFA, would eventually be founded?
"Mr. His Homan, good morning. I wonder, what important matter brings you all the way to Australia?" Arthur asked with a smile.
"Your Grace, please allow me to explain. Football has undergone a long period of development in Europe. I believe it is time to establish a unified global football association, one that can manage and coordinate players and matches between national football associations. But my proposal has not been accepted by most European countries. Or rather, they are unwilling to actively support the creation of FIFA," His Homan said directly, unsurprised that Arthur already knew who he was.
"So? If the European countries are against it, you should be persuading them. Australia doesn't have the power to make Europe agree to create FIFA," Arthur replied with a smile.
On the surface, establishing FIFA seemed like something only clubs and football associations needed to handle. But in reality, if European governments didn't approve, FIFA's creation would be nearly impossible.
"Your Grace, the issue is not that European countries oppose the creation of FIFA, but that they are unwilling to offer any real support," His Homan said with a bitter smile and shook his head. "Unless FIFA guarantees that one of them will win the championship, they will not provide funding."
Football is highly competitive, and since it had already appeared in two Olympic Games, countries had started to take it quite seriously.
In such a situation, if the newly formed FIFA were to compromise and predetermine champions, it would likely destroy its own reputation and lead to a rapid collapse.
His Homan wasn't a fool. Although he eagerly wanted FIFA to be established, that didn't mean it should submit to any external forces.
As the future's most authoritative and official football institution, FIFA had to be fair and just.
So, after discussion with the French Football Association, they decided to look for countries willing to support FIFA without placing excessive demands.
"So you think Australia will support you?" Arthur said, catching the implication in His Homan's words and chuckling.
"Why not, Your Grace? If you are willing to support the founding of FIFA, I can guarantee that Australia will be given the rights to host two World Cups within the next thirty years," His Homan said with a smile. "I believe you're aware that football already holds considerable influence in Europe. Winning Olympic gold in football brings nationwide celebration. In such a context, hosting an international competition in your country would draw global attention. The revenue from tourism alone could offset your investment. And you, Your Grace, could significantly boost Australia's immigration appeal by riding the wave of hosting a major tournament. All you need to do is provide a bit of funding—why not take such a worthwhile deal?"
His Homan had a sharp eye. He correctly identified that Australia needed to gain international recognition and attract more immigrants, and he used this need to tempt Arthur.
In fact, the first World Cup would eventually be hosted by Uruguay, the reigning Olympic football champion at the time, and it garnered enormous attention across South America.
However, due to tight scheduling and budget limitations, many teams did not participate in that World Cup, which greatly limited its influence.
Still, the tournament was a success. Stadiums were packed, and the Uruguayan government had to dispatch military forces to maintain order.
If Australia were to host a World Cup under better conditions, with ample preparation time, it could significantly raise its profile on the global stage.
"Is that so? You're making me quite tempted," Arthur laughed heartily, then narrowed his eyes slightly and asked with deeper intent, "If I support FIFA's founding, then where would FIFA's headquarters be located?"
That was the crucial question. His Homan saw the meaning behind Arthur's smile and realized that if he said the FIFA headquarters would be anywhere else, the meeting would likely end right there.
(End of Chapter)
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