Ma, the editor of Titan Sports, longs to see systemic changes in the youth soccer infrastructure that will allow children to learn to love the game from a young age, perhaps the way Drogba did in Ivory Coast.
The youth sports infrastructure in Owensboro last year attracted 41 travel tournaments, nearly 60,000 visitors, and accounted for $19.9 million in hotel, restaurant and other travel-related spending in the region, according to a report by the convention and visitors bureau.
Chelsea recorded over a £49m loss for the last year, although this figure is offset by £15m in the financial fair play regulations once the cost of youth development, infrastructure and charitable giving is deducted.
Money raised commercially can be offset against the £90m losses, which can be reduced further if Liverpool show they have invested in youth development, infrastructure and community projects.
"Increased profitability will allow greater longer-term investment in stadia and training infrastructure, youth development and community programmes".
Key challenges were the declining infrastructure, youth unemployment, low education levels, and an urban housing shortage, particularly in the capital, where almost three million people resided.
"Honestly I prefer to put more money into youth football and infrastructure than spend it on technology when there's a goal in a blue moon that hasn't been seen by the referee," Platini said.
Last month, Platini said that in 280 stadiums used for Europe's top club competitions the technology would cost about $71 million "over five years" — money the Frenchman believes could be better spent elsewhere, on youth development and infrastructure, for example.
The compromise means the English game is still open to that model, but such an owner is limited to £105m over three years, plus investment in youth training and infrastructure.
A convoluted and complex negotiation around how best to implement rules designed to ensure clubs eventually operated at breakeven (with certain caveats that allowed unlimited spending on youth development and infrastructure).
