I am just as frustrated as the writer of the letter headlined, 'Call for British soccer on network channels' (South China Morning Post, April 15) as a member of the not-reached-by-Cable-yet club.

It is a shame that thousands of soccer fans are deprived of the chance to watch football, however to have the 'relevant authorities' intervene so that it is possible 'not to continue confining soccer fans here to third-rate Asian football' will lead to an own goal.

When one ponders the thought of placing arbitrary restrictions on the process of obtaining football match showing rights, one must realise that such restrictions will ultimately mean that those with the highest monetary bid will not win the showing rights. This will lead to less money flowing into the sport and cause the sport to decline. Football fans should not trade the game's long-term health for their instant gratification today.