by Gian-Luca
With the Canadian players, media and fans alike all decrying the horrific officiating in CONCACAF negatively affecting Canada for the umpteenth time, with players such as Julian De Guzman and Greg Sutton actually coming right out and accusing this region's governing body of favouritism against Canada, it is apparent that a change needs to happen. One option that needs to be looked at is leaving the region altogether - if Australia can leave Oceania for another confederation, why not us? There are four possible options that I can think of:
1. Join UEFA.
Arguments for: We are right next door to Greenland, which is still technically Danish territory, and they are part of Europe. As well we are right next to a part of France - St. Pierre et Miquelon. Obviously, we are in the same region as Europe.
Pros: We will play against a lot of really good teams (possibly improving our overall level of play), get a fair shake from the Refs and our Euro-based players don't have to travel overseas for World Cup Qualifiers on the road. We also get to try to qualify for European Cup tourneys and Euro U21 qualifiers
Cons: We might never actually make the World Cup out of this region.
2. Join Asia.
Arguments for: If Australia can do it for no good reason, so can we.
Pros: We will have a much better chance of qualifying given the 4.5 spots available, and no teams in the region like Mexico who's home games are a guaranteed loss. Asian Cup would be fun. Officials might be incompetent but not known to be biased.
Cons: Travel for our players would suck even more.
3. Join Oceania.
Arguments for: We are in between two Oceans, that's as Oceanic as anyone as far as I can tell. Plus we have a player called Olivier Occean in our national team pool. And the region needs a big fish in a large Ocean with Australia gone. We were obviously made for this region.
Pros: Region largely sucks with Australia deciding they'd like to play in Asia and for some reason being allowed by FIFA to do so. We can beat a team of Andy Boyens and Jarrod Smiths. Would guarantee us a spot every four years in the Confederations Cup and a better chance of World Cup Qualifying playing against the 5th place Asian team. Officials might be incompetent but not known to be biased. We would rack up the FIFA points with lopsided scores against various minnows.
Cons: Travel for our players would suck even more than if we joined Asia.
4. Break off from CONCACAF and declare ourselves to be a region of our own.
Arguments for: Right now the land mass of what is left of the Oceania region would probably be the equivalent of the land mass of our Maritime Provinces. Therefore we are easily a large enough land mass to call ourselves our own region.
Pros: Automatic entry into the Confederations Cup every 4 years without even having to play a game. Possible Automatic entry into the World Cup every 4 years, or at the least a half-spot for a two-game series against a team from another region that we can fluke our way past with bunkering if need be. Winners of the Snow Cup (new Canada-only competition to replace Gold Cup) every year, or every day, if we so choose. Don't have to put up with CONCACAF, its Referees, Jack Warner, Chuck Blazer and annoying CONCACAF fans.
Cons: None. Let's do it.