Almost 1,500 people have liked a Facebook page to state their support of footballer Aron Jóhannsson‘s decision to play for the US national team rather than the Icelandic one.
The support page was set up around dinner time on Tuesday, after news broke about the Icelandic Football Association, KSÍ, being enraged by the striker‘s decision.
Geir Þorsteinsson, chairman of KSÍ, looking rather tense on RÚV TV news, said that he could not respect Aron‘s decision as he believes the striker is abusing FIFA rules. Furthermore, KSÍ has contacted the US Football Association, asking it not to offer Aron a place on Team USA.
Geir said it had been pointed out to him that by joining the US team, Aron’s income potentials were greater, in the form of grants and sponsorships, whereas footballers who play for the Icelandic team only do so for honour and glory.
“I don’t believe that a player would base his decision on that,” Geir told RÚV. “And I believe that if Icelanders urge him to do the only right thing, Aron will change his mind. I’d also like it if Icelandic authorities made they’re voice heard on this, it is a serious matter.”
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