It's an odd thing. On the one hand FIFA are desperately trying to legitimise both the idea and appearance of the Club World Cup, a tournament that no one really seems to take seriously outside of South America; and on the other hand, they continue to act like silly, pedantic bureaucrats when they don't have to.

The reference in this case, is to the situation of Juan Roman Riquelme, Argentine midfield maestro, and arguably one of the world's best players. Riquelme was instrumental in Boca winning the Copa Libertadores, on loan from Villareal.

Now it was never Riquelme's intention to return to Villareal, and it was never Villareal's intention to keep him, and statements from Boca and the player made it clear that his future was at La Bombonera.

The eventual transfer, when it took place, was a long, drawn-out wrangle which was unfortunately just a few days after FIFA's "deadline" for squad registration for this tournament.

Now you can understand something like that happening for the Champions League, where it's an important competitive tournament, and there are scores of clubs. But the Club World Cup is essentially supposed to be an exhibition of world football, so why not allow Boca to exhibit the world's best?

Considering that some teams only qualify for this tournament a few weeks before FIFA's registration deadline passes, and that some teams sign players just to play in this tournament (Sydney FC with Kazu Miura, Auckland FC with Teru Iwamoto), it really is bizarre that FIFA didn't make some sort of exception to allow Boca to play Riquelme. After all, he was so instrumental in leading them to the Libertadores title.

It's a lose-lose situation for everyone, except, I suppose, Milan... although that's just a maybe - great players love to play against other greats.

The Japanese public would have been much more inovlved. The marketing opportunities would have increased. There would have been more worldwide TV and news coverage. More Argentines would care (Boca might be playing, but Riquelme is an idol all over his country, not just for his club), and more football fans in general. Merchandise, revenue, blah blah blah. Considering that FIFA are usually such greedy, money-hungry, profit-oriented fusspots, it really doesn't make any sense.

And speaking of sense, specifically common sense, FIFA could do with some soon. They allowed Milan to replace the inured Ronaldo with Giuseppe Favalli a few days ago, even though Ronaldo has been unfit for ages, and only had a very slim chance of playing in the first place. Perhaps a Boca player could have got injured?

     Boca counts on Palermo experience to lead them to their 4th Intercontinental Finals 

It seems that everything is calm on Boca’s side here in Japan.

The Argie team is confident and motivated to win the game against the Tunisian surprise of Etoile du Sahel and move on to the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.  

According to the media representative for Boca, the team is totally focused on this first game and aiming for the finals.

He told me on the phone just a few minutes ago that Boca will go one step at a time to win the title.  

He also revealed the team’s feelings about Riquelme’s absence. “Juan (Roman Riquelme) was crucial for the team to win the Copa Libertadores but since he left the team learned how to play without him. The team is full of great young talents and experienced players who are all very determined to win this title.” 

Still according to Boca’s media representative, the team is prepared to avoid the same mistakes that Pachuca made against Etoile du Sahel. “We watched that game and we studied the best way to break their defensive strategy. We respect Etoile du Sahel because they made it to this round by their own merits but we need to start the game putting pressure on them, to make our game prevail”. 

If Boca achieves the expected success in the game tonight it will be their first final in this FIFA format of the World Club Cup but it will be Boca’s 4^th Intercontinental Final. All the other 3 times Boca made to the finals they won.

A good sign for the fans! 

What is your prediction for tonight’s game? Mine is Boca wins 3 x 0.  

I’m Mano Gil, writing directly from Tokyo, exclusively for Ole Ole.    

Dewa mata suguni ne!!!