Hisshoeman

After the winery estate underwent a complete renovation for over a month, Arthur and the entire Royal Family moved in.

The top floor of the former Government Building was then converted into offices for the cabinet, meeting rooms, and the Lower House meeting room.

Just a few days after moving in, Arthur's estate received an unexpected guest: Hisshoeman from the Netherlands.

This name might not be famous in history, but it played a significant role in the development of the World Football Association.

Hisshoeman was the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association at the time.

In the late 19th century, modern football gradually spread from Europe to countries worldwide. Especially in more developed nations, football had evolved into a popular sport.

More and more people were willing to take to the green fields in their free time to experience the exhilaration and excitement they had never felt before.

Even after football's first appearance in the Olympics eight years prior, the success of the sport became an indirect measure of a nation's strength, and football associations sprang up in various countries.

However, as the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association, Hisshoeman should have had no connection with Australia, as Australia currently had neither a football association nor any football clubs.

Despite his doubts, Arthur did not refuse to meet this guest, as Hisshoeman was one of the initial advocates for the establishment of FIFA, which would only be founded four years later.

What did FIFA represent? The World Cup, created by FIFA, was one of the most popular sports globally, attracting the attention of a vast number of countries and people every four years.

For such a talented individual, it was indeed necessary to gain his favor. After all, if Arthur could leverage this goodwill after FIFA's establishment in the future, he could secure the opportunity for Australia to host the World Cup.

Hosting such an event would significantly boost Australia's recognition and appeal.

In the estate's reception hall, Arthur was meeting his distinguished guest.

Hisshoeman appeared to be an unremarkable old man, but who would have thought that the Dutch Football Association, led by Hisshoeman, would collaborate with the French Football Association to promote the establishment of one of the world's most renowned sports organizations, FIFA?

"Good morning, Mr. Hisshoeman. May I ask if you have an important matter that brings you all the way to Australia?" Arthur asked with a smile.

"Your Highness, please allow me to state my purpose. Football has developed for a long time in Europe, and I believe it is time to establish a unified world football association to manage and coordinate players and matches between national football associations. However, my views have not been recognized by most European countries, or rather, they do not intend to strongly support the establishment of FIFA," Hisshoeman said, not surprised that Arthur knew his identity, and got straight to the point.

"So? If European countries disagree, you should try to persuade them. Australia doesn't have the power to make European countries agree to unite and establish FIFA," Arthur said with a smile.

Although on the surface, establishing FIFA seemed like a matter for clubs and football associations, in reality, without the approval of the governments of European countries, the establishment of FIFA would be virtually impossible.

"Your Highness, it's not that European countries don't support the establishment of FIFA, but they won't do anything for it either," Hisshoeman said with a wry smile, shaking his head. "Unless FIFA's matches are predetermined to have them as champions, they won't receive any financial support."

Football was also a highly competitive sport, and due to its participation in two Olympic Games, every country attached considerable importance to it.

Under such circumstances, if the newly established FIFA compromised and predetermined champions, it could very well lead to the new organization's reputation being ruined, or even a rapid dissolution.

Hisshoeman was not foolish. Although he eagerly anticipated and urgently hoped for FIFA's establishment, it didn't mean FIFA had to compromise with any power.

In fact, as the most authoritative and official body in the future football industry, FIFA must be just and fair.

Therefore, Hisshoeman and the French Football Association decided to seek out countries that were willing to support FIFA without making too many demands.

"So you believe Australia will support you?" Arthur asked with a light chuckle, having understood the implication in Hisshoeman's words.

"Why not, Your Highness? If you are willing to support the establishment of FIFA, I can guarantee that Australia will have the hosting rights for two world football competitions within thirty years," Hisshoeman said with a smile. "I believe Your Highness is also aware of the considerable influence football has already gained in Europe. Even football teams that win Olympic championships are celebrated by their entire nation. In such a situation, your country hosting a world-class competition would attract immense global attention. The revenue generated by tourists alone could recoup the costs. Your Highness could also significantly enhance your country's immigration appeal through the prestige of hosting the event. You only need to invest a small amount of funds; it's a profitable deal, so why not?"

Hisshoeman's insight was sharp; he accurately identified Australia's need to gain international recognition and enhance its attractiveness for immigration, using this to tempt Arthur.

In fact, the first World Cup was hosted by Uruguay, the reigning Olympic football champion at the time, and it attracted a great deal of attention from South America.

However, due to time constraints and a shortage of funds, many teams did not participate in this World Cup, significantly reducing its impact.

But it could not be denied that the World Cup was still a success. The stadiums were almost full, and the Uruguayan government even had to deploy the army to maintain order.

If Australia could host a World Cup with ample time, it might not be impossible to significantly boost Australia's international influence.

"Is that so? You've made me a little tempted," Arthur said with a hearty laugh, but quickly sobered, adding meaningfully, "If I support the establishment of FIFA, where will the headquarters of FIFA be located?"

This was indeed a critical question. Hisshoeman looked at Arthur's meaningful smile, knowing that if he suggested locating FIFA's headquarters elsewhere, this meeting would likely end.

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