Just saw video of Ireland V England in 1985 and saw this fella playing Id never heard of: Eamonn OKeefe. What an unusual life for a footballer he had. This from his wikipedia page: In November 1975 he flew out to Saudi Arabia for a trial at top-flight Al-Hilal, as manager George Smith, the man who had signed him at Stalybridge, offered him the chance to earn a tax-free contract in the oil-rich nation.[10] He impressed on the trial and was offered a contract, this made him the first European to play professionally in Saudi Arabia.[11] Club president Prince Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud bought OKeefe a Pontiac Ventura,[12] before taking the young player on a luxurious tour of Europe, visiting five star hotels in London, Paris, Cannes, and Rome, before returning to Riyadh for the start of the new Saudi season of football.[12] However on the trip he asked an OKeefe to give up his football career to become his lover, and was refused.[13] As Prince Abdullah was such as a wealthy and powerful man in Saudi Arabia (a member of the House of Saud), OKeefe fled the country, fearing for his safety.[14] The Prince was an uncle to Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Saud, who coincidentally was sentenced to twenty years in prison in October 2010 for killing his gay lover.[15] As he needed Prince Abdullahs permission to leave the country, OKeefe had to convince him that he was only going to stay in England for one week so as to visit his ill father (who was in fact in good health).[14] Upon his return he informed The Football Association, who gave him advice after forming an emergency meeting.[16]
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:47:27 +0000
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