What does the cryptic crossword clue "Legitimate target that is less appealing than soccer? (4,4)" mean?

The definition is "Legitimate target". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). FAIR (synonym="less appealing than") + GAME (synonym="soccer?") = FAIR GAME; definition: "Legitimate target" The answer is FAIR GAME.

Legitimate target that is less appealing than soccer? (4,4)

Times Cryptic #28997 | 9 Across | 2024-08-16 flower

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