Other advantages to the franchisee include cost savings from the bulk buying capacity of a large operation, and the marketing benefits of central advertising and promotion of the business.

ECONOMIST: Idea

It has previously shunned any role in the ISAF and has said that it is already paying more than its fair share by bearing the bulk of the cost of the military operation which defeated the Taliban last autumn.

ECONOMIST: America to the rescue? | The

"Hopefully, the bulk of fans will not be unduly troubled by the operation and we hope that what we are doing will help to make the game trouble-free, " he said.

BBC: England fans barred from Germany

After all, the bulk of the combat forces poised to take Marjah were Afghan and the operation was to be technically Afghan-led.

WSJ: Ahead of Marjah Offensive, Afghan Officials Sought to Negotiate With Taliban