Improving the Idol Football League: Solutions for Suspended Teams and FC Anaconda
Challenges Faced by Suspended Teams
Players from suspended teams in the idol football league often face a significant setback due to limited training opportunities during their suspension period. This lack of practice can lead to diminished skills and stamina, making them the weakest performers in the following season. To address this issue, innovative solutions are needed to keep these players competitive.
Loan Player Strategy for Skill Development
One effective solution is for KaG Production to temporarily assign players from suspended teams to six different active teams during the suspension period. This approach allows players to continue training and competing, thereby improving their skills and stamina. By integrating with other teams, players can gain valuable match experience, ensuring they return stronger for the next season.
Additionally, these players could serve as loan players to replace injured athletes, those on maternity leave, or players with scheduling conflicts. This strategy not only benefits the players but also supports teams in need of temporary roster additions.
Merging Teams to Include FC Anaconda
If relegation is not an option, combining teams like Top Girl and Ballad Dream into a single singer-dancer team could create an opportunity for FC Anaconda to join the league. This merger addresses the challenge of limited idols who excel at or are willing to play football. By restructuring the league to accommodate new teams, the show can maintain its competitive balance and diversity.
Challenges with Current Team Structures
Observations from FC Anaconda’s players’ Instagram accounts reveal that many train independently due to their busy schedules as current newscasters, unlike former newscasters like Tae-Jin and Oh Jeong Yeon, who had more flexible schedules. This highlights the difficulty of coordinating team training sessions when players juggle demanding primary careers.
Financial constraints also play a role. SBS must compensate players for their participation, including potential bonuses for matches. Adding more substitute players or teams could strain the budget, as paying six extra players per team is a significant expense. Contrary to some beliefs, players are indeed compensated, which explains the limited number of substitutes.
Expanding the G-League for Inclusivity
Incorporating suspended teams into the G-League, a non-relegation league, could provide a platform for players to stay active without the pressure of demotion. However, the current league structure, with 11 teams, would need adjustments to include a new team like FC Anaconda. Adding another team would extend the season by approximately five weeks per group, resulting in a 38-week season—comparable to a Premier League season.
The current format includes 10 games in the first round, followed by 5 games for the semi-finals and finals, and 3 games for relegation playoffs, totaling 28 weeks. Extending the season risks fan fatigue, especially if one group’s matches conclude before others. Balancing the schedule while accommodating players’ primary job commitments remains a significant challenge.
Conclusion
Enhancing the idol football league requires creative solutions to support suspended teams and integrate new ones like FC Anaconda. By implementing a loan player system, merging teams, and expanding the G-League, the league can maintain competitiveness and inclusivity. However, financial constraints and scheduling conflicts must be carefully managed to ensure the show’s sustainability and fan engagement.