Auckland City: The Amateur Club with a Million-Euro Shock!
Imagine this: a team made up of construction workers, hairdressers, waiters, and physical education teachers playing football for Auckland City, an amateur club from New Zealand, just earned nearly four million euros at the Club World Cup! Yes, you read that right – nearly four million, despite conceding 16 goals and earning only one point.
How is this possible?
Auckland City was knocked out of the group stage, but just participating in the tournament brought the club over three million euros, plus several hundred thousand more for a draw against Boca Juniors. For an amateur club, this is a financial bombshell and a potential turning point in their business.
The players aren’t professionals in the usual sense
Most players work regular jobs and earn about 80 euros a week playing football. Many had to take unpaid leave to travel and represent their club. Imagine how tough it is – working by day, then playing against professionals from around the world!
The Croatian touch in faraway Auckland
Auckland City isn’t just any club. It has a huge Croatian influence: the club’s crest features the Croatian checkerboard, the club president is Ivan Vuksich, a legend of New Zealand football, and assistant coach Ivan Vicelich is the record holder for appearances for New Zealand. The captain, Mario Ilich, also has Croatian roots. So the Croatian community in New Zealand has plenty to be proud of!
What will happen with the money?
The club plans to invest the money in infrastructure development and player support. This is a chance to raise amateur football to a higher level and maybe one day become professional.
Conclusion
While global football giants spend millions on transfers and salaries, Auckland City shows that amateur clubs can break through and earn a fortune at big tournaments. But is this just a lucky coincidence or the start of a new era in football? Players earning 80 euros a week now have a chance to change their lives thanks to one tournament.
If this sounds like a movie plot, you’re not far off. Now, what do you think – is this proof that hard work and love for the game pay off, or just a lucky break? Drop a comment, maybe you’ll share another cool story from the world of amateur sports!
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