Tom Lees

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@LewisDeighton17 So filthy 😭

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline Any left footed CB’s you’ve got your eye on if Struijk does go?

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@fpl_tactician @chewiefpl Andy you’re too good at this

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline And again.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline Was such a mature cameo from Gnonto. Had that one heart in mouth moment where he tried (and failed) to beat Dalot. But on the whole it was so good to see.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@TalkCPFC Out of curiosity where would you draw the line with a hair pull?

[Peter Moore @PeterMooreUSA]

This has been weighing heavily on me, and I can’t stay quiet about it any longer.

I am 71 years old. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend five World Cups, starting in 1986. Those tournaments weren’t just events to me, they were life chapters. They were about connection, about culture, about standing shoulder to shoulder with people from every corner of the world, united by the game we love.

But what I’m seeing now breaks my heart.

The current dynamic pricing strategy for the upcoming World Cup feels completely detached from the very soul of football. Yes, this tournament is being played mostly in the United States, and yes, it’s a premium market. But football was never meant to be a luxury product reserved for the highest bidder. It belongs to the people. Always has. I looked back fondly at USA 94 and everything we did then to fill stadiums and bring the game to life for Americans who were just dipping their toes into the water of the beautiful game.

Right now, it feels like the average, passionate supporter, the ones who save for years, who travel across continents, who bring the color, the noise, the spirit, are being pushed out. Replaced by a model that prioritizes revenue over reality.
That’s a dangerous road because once you lose the authentic fan, you lose the essence of what makes the World Cup special.

I say this not just as a fan, but as someone who has spent a lifetime in and around the game. During my time at EA SPORTS, we stood shoulder to shoulder with FIFA when they needed it most. Our game kept millions of fans connected to football and to the World Cup when trust in the organization was at its lowest. We helped carry the flame.

Which is why this moment feels even more disappointing.

This may well be one of the last World Cups I have the chance to attend and I find myself wondering if the game I’ve loved all my life is slowly drifting away from people like me, and far more importantly, from the next generation who deserve to feel what I felt in 1986.

The World Cup should unite the world. Not divide it by price.

Football deserves better. And so do the fans. Come on @FIFAcom , sort this out… It’s not too late.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@SebSB Comfortably my favourite performance of any player this season. On a different planet right now.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline Is this in reference to anyone/ any team in particular?

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline Feel like he has been in the past though (granted against championship opposition) . Not saying it’s purely down to match fitness but it would help w his trigger/decision making.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@aggzzx Talk ball I miss I need more hot takes please and thanks

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@ellis_platten This is not silence Ellis…

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@ConorMcGilligxn 85th triple change is just so frustrating, it was the right one to make… 15 mins earlier at least. Don’t think it helps that Tanaka had his worst game potentially in a Leeds shirt, DF definitely expected more from him there.

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@Brownie89 Feels good, a very satisfying win that

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@ConorMcGilligxn Slightly confused about ampadu but generally happy with it, would be nice for chambers to get some minutes purely coz I don’t want any of those subs getting injured

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@LouisSergant Had an hour of being completely rattled last night hahaha

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

Is it crazy to think a dive followed by a sarcastic clap should be a sending off?

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@ConorMcGilligxn Aaronson decision making is better. Ampadu elite leader and will ensure crumbles like that won’t happen too often. Gruev earning his keep. At least scoring hasn’t been a HUGE issue 💀

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@EthanFromOnline Yeah did find it funny after Jacob Murphy got a free cross in for the 8th time

[Tom Lees @Tom_Lees44]

@LewisDeighton17 Genuinely so happy for you because travelling after that would’ve been grim