* The International Olympic Committee and the Inter- national Association
Football Federation have taken a most unfortunate decision. They have announced that amateur footballers may receive payment for broken time. This strikes at the root of amateurism as it has always been defined and preserved in Great Britain. It seems to us impossible that the decision should be accepted. It is not as though there were any irremediable grievances among those who want to take part in important matches and cannot afford to do so. Pro- fessionalism is duly recognized in this country, and ample provision is made for it. If a man says he must not merely get his out-of-pocket expenses but must be paid wages for playing, he is not an amateur but a professional. It is quite easy for an amateur to become a professional if he thinks it worth his while to do so. It is essential in the best interests of games and sports that there should be no humbug about the distinction between amateurism and professionalism. Both arc honourable so long as they are what they profess to be.
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