Venezuela is going through a crisis as a result of a leftist government.

It is not the worst crisis in the world, but it is the worst crisis that  country has ever experienced. At some point, nothing seems to be working. But that’s where opportunities emerge, and football has proven it.

A runners-up spot at the U-20 World Cup is no small thing.

Migration has left some good things behind, ironic though it may seem. South America, and even other second-tier leagues, have found Venezuela an attractive, interesting market.

Well-developed players, youngsters with first-level experience (by the rule of the youth in the current format) and eager to get out. Going out to show their talent abroad, coming out of a dictatorship that sees how day after day rolls everything in its path.

Chile has been one of the first clients. They recognize that they can be successful in terms of performance-price quality in different signings.

Beyond quality reinforcements, there is an unbeatable business opportunity.

Meanwhile, the clubs have been improving ( although with much to improve) the product; making it more exportable every day.

In Venezuela there is no football culture. The teams do not sell products to the public because there is no demand. People don’t go to stadiums because the risk of being a victim of insecurity is greater than the spectacle itself.

Clubs are oxygenated by participating in CONMEBOL tournaments and selling players.

So, you couldn’t participate in international competitions, but you exposed a couple of youths all season long who, at the end of the season, accumulate 30 matches and are not yet of legal age. An international club buys them. You won.

Venezuelan football is becoming more and more popular. And many come close to it, as happens with oil.

Foreign players also see the country with good eyes, because the league is presented as an opportunity to relaunch their careers or jump into a better context.

But the risk is high. And not everyone is willing to take the risk.