A Promise

"Your Highness, football has gained widespread attention and welcome in Europe right now. If the FIFA headquarters were to be established outside of Europe, wouldn't that cause too many problems?" Hisshoeman asked, steeling himself.

Although Hisshoeman knew it was basically impossible to wrest the FIFA headquarters away from Arthur, he still wanted to try.

"Oh? What specific problems might arise? Mr. Hisshoeman, could you elaborate?" Arthur asked with a slight smile, looking at Hisshoeman with mild interest.

Seeing that Arthur wasn't being overly unreasonable, Hisshoeman's heart leaped, and he quickly said, "Your Highness, currently, most countries with a football association, or those about to establish one, are in Europe. This also means FIFA would be welcomed and recognized by Europe. I believe FIFA's headquarters should be located in Europe, as it would be more convenient for managing football affairs and organizing major tournaments. After all, Europe is the center of the world, and so is football."

Glancing at Arthur's expression and seeing no sign of displeasure or anger from his words, Hisshoeman felt relieved and continued, "If FIFA's headquarters were placed outside of Europe, firstly, there aren't many football associations or clubs in other regions, and football isn't as widely popular. Secondly, FIFA is meant to manage and coordinate football affairs worldwide. If it's outside of Europe, handling global matters might be a bit troublesome, and organizing tournaments could face difficulties due to distance and time, potentially not receiving the response from most countries worldwide, especially those in Europe."

What Hisshoeman said wasn't entirely wrong. Historically, the first World Cup organized by FIFA was held in South America, and many European countries did not participate. The first World Cup's influence was mainly significant in South America.

But Arthur didn't care about all that. If FIFA was to be established with Australia's support, then its headquarters must be in Australia, and Australia should also have priority in hosting tournaments. This was Arthur's bottom line.

Arthur wasn't a philanthropist; no matter how much money he had, he wouldn't just hand it over to FIFA for free.

If they wanted Arthur's support to establish FIFA, then FIFA would have to give something in return to gain his backing.

"These are not problems, Mr. Hisshoeman. FIFA is a unified football association for the entire world. We cannot limit our vision to Europe just because of the current state of football development. If you are willing to place FIFA's headquarters in Australia, then Australia will support your establishment of FIFA and is willing to contribute to FIFA's tournaments," Arthur said, his seemingly argumentative words carrying a hint of firmness and threat.

"Your Highness, if FIFA is in Australia, thousands of miles away, then I'm afraid the various tournaments organized by FIFA won't be welcomed in Europe. Due to time and distance, coupled with financial constraints, perhaps not many countries will participate in future tournaments," Hisshoeman hastily reminded him.

Hisshoeman also felt the subtle threat in Arthur's words. Although Australia's current demands were not excessive compared to those of European countries, who could guarantee that FIFA wouldn't be influenced by the Australian government in the future?

After all, when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head.

"Mr. Hisshoeman, you don't need to worry about this matter. If FIFA is to host major global tournaments in the future, Australia is willing to cover all expenses for the event, including the travel costs for any club or national team. I believe Mr. Hisshoeman has seen Australia's sincerity. If you still don't believe it, then I can only apologize," Arthur said, waving his hand to interrupt Hisshoeman's rebuttal and standing up with a light chuckle.

Arthur thought it was wishful thinking for Hisshoeman to want Australia's support without giving anything in return.

FIFA and the World Cup it created were, even in later generations, extremely influential sporting organizations and events.

By seizing control of FIFA in its early stages at this juncture, Australia could significantly enhance its international reputation and attractiveness for immigration through future World Cups.

For a newly established country like Australia, international reputation and immigration attractiveness were the two most crucial elements. To make all the countries in the world recognize you as a strong nation, you at least need to be known by everyone, right?

"Alright, Your Highness. I agree to your terms. I will discuss it with the French Football Federation to establish FIFA as soon as possible and move FIFA's headquarters to Australia," Hisshoeman said after much deliberation. He ultimately couldn't bear to give up the monumental achievement of establishing FIFA, which would secure his place in football history, and chose to compromise with Arthur.

"Excellent, Mr. Hisshoeman. You have made the most correct choice," Arthur said with a smile. "Australia will fully support you in lobbying European football associations to establish FIFA and will nominate you as the first Secretary-General of FIFA."

As the saying goes, "strike with a stick, then offer a sweet date." After extracting many benefits from Hisshoeman, Arthur didn't mind promoting him to a high position within FIFA, allowing him to truly leave his mark on football history.

"Then thank you, Your Highness. Please rest assured, I will immediately work on uniting the French and other national football associations upon my return to Europe to expedite the process of establishing FIFA. I also ask that you prepare the necessary funds in advance. Construction for FIFA can begin as early as the end of this year," Hisshoeman said, his demeanor completely changed from before, his face now filled with joy and excitement.

Hisshoeman was eager to establish FIFA for two reasons: first, to leave his indelible mark on the history of football development, and second, to genuinely propel the sport forward at a rapid pace.

As the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association, Hisshoeman's passion for football was undeniable.

However, if forced to compare it with his own reputation, perhaps only Hisshoeman knew how important that passion truly was.

The development of events clearly satisfied Hisshoeman. The establishment of FIFA was progressing in a positive direction, and Hisshoeman had also received Arthur's promise to support him in becoming the first Secretary-General of FIFA.

With both his career and passion fulfilled, Hisshoeman, a man nearing fifty, felt a surge of excitement and enthusiasm he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Second update, seeking support! Seeking all kinds of votes, collections, comments, and investments!