[Copa7]

Skelly - the simple answer is that soccer cards are ever increasing in interest and values seem to be on the rise. Interest has always peaked around World Cup time (see Panini sticker mania).

Those that do their homework and network with soccer collectors will have the advantage. (and avoid buying bogus "rookie" cards now rampant on ebay)

This has little to do with PSA - who are irresponsible money addicts. I have written several articles (some for SCG Magazine) about soccer card collecting.

PSA is a wash with mislabeled slabbed cards which they took good money for only to give bad information out to the hobby.

PSA is still under the microscope from the Bill Mastro trials where it was exposed for hiding the facts about the famous McNaulty / Gretzky "Wagner card" being trimmed. (which directly contridicts their guidelines)

While I recommend that each collector investigate for themselves, I would personally steer clear of PSA and their blunt ingnorance to soccer card collecting.

While Beckett's scope may be limited, at least they report on what they know as accurately as they can.

As an example, PSA has about 30 PELE' cards on their register. I've cataloged over 300 licenced Pele cards. (I even have unlicensed and counterfit samples)

I have ceased answering questions on individual cards as it has become overwhelming. I will address many of these and other soccer card issues in my articles and blogs.

Happy Collecting !