https://twitter.com/gffn/status/1383773711065444359?s=21

See ya then...

I assume we're in it

great so we can be even more bored with  a format that is based on greed and supporters can't relate to.

Top 6 English clubs is that based on egos, bank balance, or the a constant year in year in failure to achieve  

I can't think of anything more boring than a European super league

Nothing in uk news . Doubt it’s correct

It's being widely reported now https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/sports/soccer/super-league-united-liverpool-juventus-madrid.html

Scumbag clubs. Let them go and dont come back.

Greed greed greed

Quoted from Eastendmariner

great so we can be even more bored with  a format that is based on greed and supporters can't relate to.

Top 6 English clubs is that based on egos, bank balance, or the a constant year in year in failure to achieve  

I can't think of anything more boring than a European super league

European Super League Division 2?

Quoted from Hagrid

Scumbag clubs. Let them go and dont come back.

Greed greed greed

You don’t think they’ll leave the premier league, do you?! No chance. But if they did we might get a reprieve. Ain’t happening though.

I've always thought this would happen eventually. Whether this story turns out to be correct or not, it will come about.

Quoted from Heisenberg

You don’t think they’ll leave the premier league, do you?! No chance. But if they did we might get a reprieve. Ain’t happening though.

For what reason could Man United possibly contemplate leaving the Premier League and playing the likes of Burnley - as they are today - when they could be playing Madrid, Juve, Barca etc...every week? $$$$$$$$$$

Surely there'd be 6 places free in the English football league system if they intercourse off for next season. See you later, I'll take our reprieve thanks.

Quoted from Heisenberg

You don’t think they’ll leave the premier league, do you?! No chance. But if they did we might get a reprieve. Ain’t happening though.

They would leave in a shot.

Quoted from Bawmariner

Surely there'd be 6 places free in the English football league system if they intercourse off for next season. See you later, I'll take our reprieve thanks.

No chance it'll happen for next season. It'll probably save Stevenage when it does though.

Once they’ve sucked it dry of cash and the clubs get bored of not acruslly winning something every year they’ll come back...

Juventus are one of the main architects of this idea. Their owner thinks they are a huge club and should have more power than the smaller clubs from smaller leagues in Europe.

In the last 3 years they have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by:-

2018/19 - Ajax (Ned) - QF
2019/20 - Lyon (Fra) - R16
2020/21 - Porto (Por) - R16

About as average as you can get.

Juve are bent. Always have been. Their owners have a obscenely high opinion of their size and believe to be THE team in Italy. Corrupt isn’t strong enough to describe Juve and they’re obsessed with the European cup.

They’re architects of this because they believe that Italian football holds them back. Ironic really Becauee they’re less likely to win or make the cash they currently do in a league like this, let alone win anything.

They’ll be a compromise. The Champions League will become a 2 tiered group stage. 16 “big” clubs in 2 groups of 8 playing each other home and away with the top 4 in both groups qualifying for the R16 and the other 8 going into a play-off round. The “rest” (about 20) playing that bizarre “Swiss system” of 14 matches against each other with the top 8 going into the play-offs with the 2 x bottom 4 from the “big” clubs.

The “big” 16 would be...
4 x English
3 x Spanish
3 x Italian
2 x German
2 x French
2 x Highest ranking champions of domestic leagues (currently Portugal & Netherlands)

Allow the “big” clubs to get their games against each other but keep them within UEFA competitions:

I hope they go, the FA kick them out and they dont get to enter any UEFA competitions. After 1 season the FA stop allowing the non UEFA/FA reg players from being picked for England/Wales?Scotland etc. That would sort it nicely and we can get back to a slightly more competitive Prem League with about 16 clubs and a couple of teams less in the other 3 divisions. Let em Foff not ever come back. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Abdul19

No chance it'll happen for next season. It'll probably save Stevenage when it does though.

Do you mean the same Stevenage that were 3 points behind us and in the relegation places on the 31st December 2020 are now 9 places and 16 points ahead of us?

I wouldn't mind swapping places with them right now.

Quoted from Madeleymariner

I hope they go, the FA kick them out and they dont get to enter any UEFA competitions. After 1 season the FA stop allowing the non UEFA/FA reg players from being picked for England/Wales?Scotland etc. That would sort it nicely and we can get back to a slightly more competitive Prem League with about 16 clubs and a couple of teams less in the other 3 divisions. Let em Foff not ever come back. ;D ;D ;D ;D

FIFA have already said they’d ban any player appearing in an unsanctioned breakaway league from playing for their countries.

I don’t think it will be happen, but the compromise will hand more power the greedy clubs who already get the biggest slice of the pie. That’s probably their aim. Use this threat to get more money & guaranteed UCL places.

Great work by the board to get us in the Super League 🙏🤞🥳🥂🍾

Quoted from GollyGTFC

FIFA have already said they’d ban any player appearing in an unsanctioned breakaway league from playing for their countries.

I don’t think it will be happen, but the compromise will hand more power the greedy clubs who already get the biggest slice of the pie. That’s probably their aim. Use this threat to get more money & guaranteed UCL places.

Didn't Kerry Packer do something like that to Cricket and it succeeded.  

Hilarious that a European Super League could include a team that have not won their domestic league this century and yet there's no Bayern, or Dortmund. What a load of balderdash. intercourse 'em, the greedy, morally bankrupt illegitimates.

intercourse off then and don't come back ,I really think it would make football loads better.

Quoted from DB

Didn't Kerry Packer do something like that to Cricket and it succeeded.  

He did it completely changed cricket worldwide for a good while

Quoted from arryarryarry

Do you mean the same Stevenage that were 3 points behind us and in the relegation places on the 31st December 2020 are now 9 places and 16 points ahead of us?

I wouldn't mind swapping places with them right now.

Yeah, that's them. Hertfordshire outfit. Drew with Newcastle in 1998.

(Absolutely nothing to do with this season, more a hilarious quip about them staying up last season)

I'm watching Neville and co whining about it on TV, and I'm laughing my mammaries off at them. Going on about greed, and how this going to affect the league 1 and 2 clubs. Like anyone has given a excrement about this end of the league. The whole point of the Premier league was to ring fence the TV money for the top clubs, this is just the natural progression of that greed.

All German clubs have a majority of fans that own them. There will be no German clubs involved in this because their fans won't let them.

Quoted from Abdul19

Yeah, that's them. Hertfordshire outfit. Drew with Newcastle in 1998.

(Absolutely nothing to do with this season, more a hilarious quip about them staying up last season)

Oh the Stevenage that we lost at home to and have drunk staying in the EFL.

They really are excrement and deserve to be in the National League.

[img]https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/say-no-to-plastic-world-charator-hold-stop-plastic-banner-vector-design-say-no-to-plastic-world-charator-hold-stop-136682618.jpg[/img]

Quoted from arryarryarry

Oh the Stevenage that we lost at home to and have drunk staying in the EFL.

They really are excrement and deserve to be in the National League.

[img]https://cdn.extra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/11130911/waffles1.jpg[/img]

Hope it happens and uk fans refuse to buy tv rights.
It could be the shock that is needed to remind EVERY English club, it’s there fir the fans, not the other way round.
I don’t take Bt sports because I’m not prepared to fund euro super clubs.

I can understand the Premier League clubs breaking away.

I’d imagine they’ve probably had enough of subsidising the smaller clubs in the Premier League. Probably also had enough of the revenue they raise filtering down into EFL clubs and academies too.

Maybe it’s a good thing for English clubs. Clubs will have to cope without Premier League contributions, will have to cut their cloth accordingly and stand on their own feet. Could be a positive move for real football outside of the galactico’s

Quoted from scrumble

I'm watching Neville and co whining about it on TV, and I'm laughing my mammaries off at them. Going on about greed, and how this going to affect the league 1 and 2 clubs. Like anyone has given a excrement about this end of the league. The whole point of the Premier league was to ring fence the TV money for the top clubs, this is just the natural progression of that greed.

My thoughts exactly
Him and his club and his new employers Sky Sports pulled the ladder up on the rest of english football years ago.
It'll be fun watching the rest of the Prem and Sky feel the pain for a few years

I think Ipswin has morphed into arryarry

It’s a massive decision for the clubs and players, potentially they can’t play in anything else including the World Cup . Why would you ? Apart from money. It will be like the Scottish premier league , playing the same clubs 4 times a season . Zzzz

Quoted from Fillipe Noche

I can understand the Premier League clubs breaking away.

I’d imagine they’ve probably had enough of subsidising the smaller clubs in the Premier League. Probably also had enough of the revenue they raise filtering down into EFL clubs and academies too.

Maybe it’s a good thing for English clubs. Clubs will have to cope without Premier League contributions, will have to cut their cloth accordingly and stand on their own feet. Could be a positive move for real football outside of the galactico’s

They are not breaking away from the Premier League though, just the existing European competitions.

Thats not correct Rob. PL wont sanction it so to go ahead they would have to break away from the PL

Where’s the money coming from, tv rights, so will BT and Sky refuse to show it? Also if it’s the so called best, and not just the biggest clubs from each league, why haven’t Leicester been invited, over the last 5 years they’ve done better in the league then such as Arsenal.

The writing was on the wall years ago for big clubs being greedy when League gate receipts (then share with the away team) all went to the home team.   Man United and other big clubs got richer.

Eventually the money for this league will come from the fans, that means tv subscriptions, just as Sky did when the premiership was created back in the nineties.

This is great news. The six franchises can feck off into the Super League and we can go back to a Football League with Divisions 1 to 4. No relegation from Division 4 this season and top six promoted from the National League and we are back to the 92. Leicester City are on course for the double...

They should not be allowed to leave on their own terms in the time of their choosing, expel them from the premier league and FA with immediate effect, and should they wish to come back then they must start at the bottom of the football pyramid.

It’s been coming for years. As others have said, kick them out of the FA and UEFA.

Quoted from Abdul19

No chance it'll happen for next season. It'll probably save Stevenage when it does though.

Get a grip of yourself with the Stevebage obsession, tueu were below us at Christmas and are now well clear of relegation while we have fallen to the bottom of the football league, that is no accident, they and ourselves are where we are on the merit of our performances and the decisions of our respective managers.

I've nothing but pessimism.
Tonight there's Wembley with 4000 fans who aren't actually fans in attendance as a trial.
Tested in and tested later, all masked up and being good.
I'll bet my bottom it'll prove what they want it to prove, ooh covid spreads so no football for all you plebs next season too.
And so it goes on.
In the meantime Town are relegated, next season non league has collapsed for lack of funds, fans can't attend, no Ifollow, leaving us where?
Another season of non attendance and people paying to watch league football on telly and their PC leaves the clubs not even bothering to open their grounds but have the paying fans watching to a backdrop of the local pitches.
Far fetched?
Roll back to March 2020 when we were told this was for three weeks.
No wonder the ones that can want to bail out and coin it in.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

I've nothing but pessimism.
Tonight there's Wembley with 4000 fans who aren't actually fans in attendance as a trial.
Tested in and tested later, all masked up and being good.
I'll bet my bottom it'll prove what they want it to prove, ooh covid spreads so no football for all you plebs next season too.
And so it goes on.
In the meantime Town are relegated, next season non league has collapsed for lack of funds, fans can't attend, no Ifollow, leaving us where?
Another season of non attendance and people paying to watch league football on telly and their PC leaves the clubs not even bothering to open their grounds but have the paying fans watching to a backdrop of the local pitches.
Far fetched?
Roll back to March 2020 when we were told this was for three weeks.
No wonder the ones that can want to bail out and coin it in.

The vast majority of the population who need to be vaccinated will have been come the summer so we'll quickly return to some level of normality*










*Hopefully

[tweet]1383869107917885442[/tweet]

Quoted from Withnail

The vast majority of the population who need to be vaccinated will have been come the summer so we'll quickly return to some level of normality*










*Hopefully

I've a funny feeling we'll be having this same conversation next year, much as we did last year.

Quoted from Azimuth

Get a grip of yourself with the Stevebage obsession, tueu were below us at Christmas and are now well clear of relegation while we have fallen to the bottom of the football league, that is no accident, they and ourselves are where we are on the merit of our performances and the decisions of our respective managers.

Christ  ;D  ;D  ;D

It was a shit gag based on how they stayed up last season despite finishing bottom (as already stated).

I've realised I've not watched one single Champions League game this season.  

This new super league thing wont change that - you can't have foie gras, truffles and champagne everyday for lunch.  In a format they propose not all games are important.  A mid-table game is a mid-table game irrespective of it being PSG v Barca or Burnley v Everton.

Thank goodness I support a shithole team where these things dont matter.  I wonder what fans of Man Utd, Chelsea etc think of this?  And Spurs - who  have won feck all ever... how can they even be part of this.

Personally Id love to see any team who signs up for this out of the Prem.....  of course, that prob wonthappen.

And remember the geniuses who propose this league are all in charge of clubs in massive debt (Juve, Barca, Madrid etc)

Got to agree with gaffer58, I've just said the same thing to the missus what about Leicester they have been bigger than both Arsenal and Spurs for the last few seasons. On another note why is everyone having a go at JUST Man Utd, there are six of the greedy $£%""£$% not just Man Utd, they have all got their snouts in the same trough

Quoted from scrumble

I'm watching Neville and co whining about it on TV, and I'm laughing my mammaries off at them. Going on about greed, and how this going to affect the league 1 and 2 clubs. Like anyone has given a excrement about this end of the league. The whole point of the Premier league was to ring fence the TV money for the top clubs, this is just the natural progression of that greed.

This. The hypocricy is rank. Talking about the history and identity of the football league being at stake. What about the history and identity of Salford City that him and his other class of 92 (fine year that was for the English game) cronies ran rough shod over, whilst letting his famiy's club, Bury, go to the wall?

How ironic that the Premier League has opposed it.

Latest statement.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56795811

I've been falling out with football for a while now and this is just another step in the greed obsessed world of them and us.

I can't think that the players have been consulted if it means they won't be allowed to play in other competitions or for their countries. No player is going to agree to that surely.

I also wonder if managers like Guardiola who moan constantly about too many fixtures, have been consulted about playing mid week games in a European Super League.

Shankly will be turning at about 4.5billion RPM.

Quoted from spuggybridge

Got to agree with gaffer58, I've just said the same thing to the missus what about Leicester they have been bigger than both Arsenal and Spurs for the last few seasons. On another note why is everyone having a go at JUST Man Utd, there are six of the greedy $£%""£$% not just Man Utd, they have all got their snouts in the same trough

Joel Glazer is Vice Director of the new Super League so I guess suggests he is one of the architects of it and not just merely along for the ride. So I guess that does entitle a bit more of the scorn to be focussed on Man United.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

How ironic that the Premier League has opposed it.

The Premier League setup is more democratic than the Football League was pre-1992. It’s one member one vote with a 14-6 majority required for changes.

Before the formation of the PL the Football League only had 44 “full” members who had voting rights (D1 & D2 clubs). The other 48 were just “associate” members (D3 & D4 clubs).

The PL was setup for the same reasons the PDC was setup in darts.

This is irreversible surely? The damage has been done. They've already got a website, left some European group, named the other 3 clubs. It is time for the PL, EFL, UEFA and FIFA to stop being soft as intercourse and make a statement that actually means something. I would even cancel the league cup final between 2 of the 6 next Sunday. balderdash to them.

It’s a ‘best of both worlds’ type scenario for the clubs involved. They just want more platforms to generate wealth. It’s greed. It isn’t for the benefit of the game and to say it’ll provide additional support for the whole footballing pyramid is literally a blatant lie.

The arrogance of the clubs involved is astounding. Tottenham? Aside from a new stadium and a woeful appearance in a champions league final? Seriously? On a success level they’re a million miles away. Looking at that list of teams in the league Spurs are setting themselves up to be whipping boys, arsenal to. Like I say, the arrogance is astounding.

Neville can intercourse off too. He may make some half decent points but the hypocrisy is all to evident.

Of course, this could be a way of getting back at uefa, a middle finger to them. Clubs have moaned for years about the cash generated by the champions league not filtering to them....ironic I know but still. The timing of this ‘leak’ is not accidental with uefa announcing their new plans for the champions league today.

Whether this comes off is anyone’s guess, people talk about players and the likes not being consulted but will they care? Uefa ban them from not playing in say the champions league and what? All that does is ignite further interest in the European greed league...let’s face it, does Harry Kane, Mo Salah, Pulisic et al really enjoy travelling to Rubin Kazan or Lokomotiv Moscow, especially when they could nip over the camp nou or san siro (and whatever the new ground will be called) playing better players, better facilities and shorter journeys?

Quoted from ginnywings

Latest statement.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56795811

I've been falling out with football for a while now and this is just another step in the greed obsessed world of them and us.

I can't think that the players have been consulted if it means they won't be allowed to play in other competitions or for their countries. No player is going to agree to that surely.

I also wonder if managers like Guardiola who moan constantly about too many fixtures, have been consulted about playing mid week games in a European Super League.

I recall reading about a player who might be offered a £1 million/week contract. If this is true then all the clubs have to do is say how much do you want to play for us. As per usual player loyalty will fade into oblivion in the face of money in the bank.

The fact that they may be banned will have little if any consequence if they can retire early. You also have to consider the legality of a person being banned from making a living in his chosen occupation, when he is fit and able to do so.

Club and player greed will win through again.

Too many pointless group games in the champions league and the europa league is a ridiculous competition but any alternative has to be based upon merit and qualification. Not invitation. Boycott.

Quoted from GrimRob

Too many pointless group games in the champions league and the europa league is a ridiculous competition but any alternative has to be based upon merit and qualification. Not invitation. Boycott.

I agree but there were supposed to be modifications being announced today to both those competitions

Quoted from DB

You also have to consider the legality of a person being banned from making a living in his chosen occupation, when he is fit and able to do so

It maybe a legal technicality but they aren't being prevented from being employed, they can still be employed by any football team, they just can't play in a competion organised under the FIFA umbrella.

You could argue that giving someone a ban for any infraction is a restriction of their right to work, whether it's for a red card or for match rigging.

Time to let these clubs go. Banned forever to return. Money given to each group of supporters to create a supporter owned Phoenix club.
Breakaway clubs never to play football on English soil again, ever.

Iam a big lover of world cups,  European Championships and champions league as its a celebration of European and global football. For me something doesnt ring right about the new super league. Hope it gets vetoed.

Quoted from Gaffer58

Where’s the money coming from, tv rights, so will BT and Sky refuse to show it? Also if it’s the so called best, and not just the biggest clubs from each league, why haven’t Leicester been invited, over the last 5 years they’ve done better in the league then such as Arsenal.

In exchange for their commitment, founding clubs will receive an amount of €3.5bn (£3bn) to "support their infrastructure investment plans and to offset the impact of the COVID pandemic", the league's statement said.

Quoted from Yossarian

I've realised I've not watched one single Champions League game this season.  

This new super league thing wont change that - you can't have foie gras, truffles and champagne everyday for lunch.  In a format they propose not all games are important.  A mid-table game is a mid-table game irrespective of it being PSG v Barca or Burnley v Everton.

Thank goodness I support a shithole team where these things dont matter.  I wonder what fans of Man Utd, Chelsea etc think of this?  And Spurs - who  have won feck all ever... how can they even be part of this.

Personally Id love to see any team who signs up for this out of the Prem.....  of course, that prob wonthappen.

And remember the geniuses who propose this league are all in charge of clubs in massive debt (Juve, Barca, Madrid etc)

I've not watched one since having the misfortune to watch the Liverpool Vs Spurs snorefest final the season before last. I only lasted to the hour mark before switching over.

They have all showed their growing greed down the years, Barca already pretty much corner the tv monies in Spain, the Premier League showed theirs again earlier this year with that big plan they had to re cut the tv money that got voted down.....
This is either a huge bluff to use as a bargaining chip in renegotiating their respective domestic tv deals and UEFA competition monies or it really is just a wide open short sighted greedy move.

Really can't see the Premier League, Sky etc allowing it to happen. Sky just renegotiated a massive tv deal didnt they? With some of those clubs leaving that would in theory devalue the product ( sorry...🤣) so could leave them in a position to sue.

Personally I do hope they will f k off.  Supporters of these teams...well I am largely unsympathetic, they pulled the ladder up nearly 30yrs ago now is it ? when the PL was formed.

In a further thought, as hopefully our club will be taken over in the next few weeks/months.....by owners who certainly portray a different approach....then this Super League actually comes at a poignant time in our history.
We are hitting another low point, probably worse than last time as we should have learnt.

With the game as some of us knew it long gone and changed forever, what better time to restart the club as a whole, new perspective, new values and a  new acceptance in that having a club operating with strong identity and purpose in the town for the town is of more value than watching "your team" play on tv every week.

Real football, real fans.

As a lifelong Arsenal supporter, I'm disgusted that the club has not only joined, but that the American owner has been a mover/shaker in getting this off the ground. When you look at the ownership of the clubs involved, it consists of billionaires whose only ambition is to make more billions for themselves.

I won't be subscribing to this - and I doubt many Arsenal or Manchester United supporters will be doing so. In fact, our Supporter groups from both clubs have sent a joint letter protesting at our inclusion.

There's a lot of righteous ire in some of these posts but...

Will the EPL ban Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal? Of course they won't.
Will FIFA run a world cup without Messi, Kane, Benzema etc etc? Of course they won't.
Will La Liga ban Barca and Real? No chance.

The screaming we are hearing from 'smaller' clubs and Sky was absolutely what we got when the EPL was formed from 'smaller' clubs and ITV/BBC 20 odd years ago.

But as soon as the deal is done and everyone can start bidding for the TV rights (or the pay per view rights, because that's what's coming...) the mighty $ will blind everyone.

All the same snouts in the same trough.

The problem started with the Premiershit, then allowing foreign owners to had 100% control over the clubs.  So we hear the managers moaning about all these extra fixtures they have to play, but the FA bend over and take right up the bottom.  We have seen 1st & 2nd legs removed from the League Cup and all replays, now replays are disappearing from the FA Cup. Oh then the foreign managers moaning about the Christmas schedule, wanting a winter break.

I say let them f--k off, any take boring football with you, all this hype at Pep and the best football ever played.  The game in the Premiershit is all about stats, complete passes, possession rate, running distance.  How many goals this season have been conceeded in the football league from trying to play out from the back? (the Pep way) I want my goalkeeper to be a goalkeeper, defenders to be able to defend, if means hoofing it out, rather than playing a team mate in trouble just to retain possession, strikers in be in and around the penalty box, not running around doing a marathon chasing the ball. Then you players going to ground if their hair is knocked out of place, or a finger touches them.  I would like to see them against proper footballers, when it was a contact sport.

If they want to breakaway let them, but they leave the English league for good, seems they want the their cake and eat it ie remaining in the Premiershit, but create a new midweek European league.

Quoted from supertown

I agree but there were supposed to be modifications being announced today to both those competitions

Let's hope they go some way to addressing the problems. Hopefully, the ELS will back down and some compromise can be reached.

I'd happily cancel my TV subscriptions (which I don't watch enough to justify what I pay anyway) but the National League coverage is good on BT Sport, one of the few good things about relegation.

The worst thing about Liverpool and Man Utd being so heavily involved in this is that they were the main cause of English clubs being banned from European cups in the late 80s.

Maybe it’s time Liverpool and United paid reparations to the likes of Crystal Palace, Derby, Everton and Luton (ok, maybe not Luton) who missed out on entering European competitions due to the bans.

Does this mean we stay up then or what

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

The worst thing about Liverpool and Man Utd being so heavily involved in this is that they were the main cause of English clubs being banned from European cups in the late 80s.

Maybe it’s time Liverpool and United paid reparations to the likes of Crystal Palace, Derby, Everton and Luton (ok, maybe not Luton) who missed out on entering European competitions due to the bans.

I am no fan of Man Utd but how were they responsible for the ban on English clubs? The ban was a direct result of the Heysel 'Disaster' and I say 'disaster' because it was caused by a large group of Liverpool 'fans' attacking Juventus fans in a pre meditated act of hooliganism. This has been lost in the media outpouring following Hillsborough and the myth of Liverpool fans being lovable, immensely humorous scousers. Liverpool have a hardcore following of deeply unpleasant and violent characters who somewhow keep below the radar of the media and the club's excellent PR.

Only last week the Real Madrid bus was attacked as it arrived at Anfield by a group of 400 (according to the BBC website) Liverpool 'fans' who were also breaching Covid rules.

Liverpool are not the only club who were involved in violence in Europe at the time (Leeds' European campaigns were peppered with 'fan' violence) but the ban had nothing to do directly with Man Utd.

But this was all before Sky, The Champions League and the EPL erased history and started the world again at Year Zero.

The European Cup was for Champions only and was quality.  Ruined when up to 5 teams per country eligible.  Quality diluted.  Money talks unfortunately.  Even more so with (mainly) foreign owners and greed.  

Promotion and selection on merit has gone out of the window.  

Quoted from The Yard Dog

The problem started with the Premiershit, then allowing foreign owners to had 100% control over the clubs.

Foreign owners absolutely take some of the blame for this, but foreign audiences are the bigger problem. There's actually an inverse correlation between the proximity and engagement level between fans and clubs and how much influence they have over matters. 50 years ago (even 30 years ago) match-going fans were everything because that's where all the money came from - clubs could not act unilaterally against the best interests and wishes of supporters without risking serious financial consequences.

Today things are very different in the top flight. The last 12 months are a great case study in how little fans in grounds matter in the big scheme of things. Yes, empty stadiums detract from the spectacle but behind closed doors games have proved to be nothing more than a bloody nose to the financial might of elite clubs - it remains silly season in terms of transfer fees and wages.

The simple reality is that the bulk of football's money comes from people sat at home, and even more pertinently people based outside of this country, often many thousands of miles away. It sounds counter-intuitive, but fans on the other side of the world literally have more influence than people buying season tickets and going to games because in totality they account for more income. It stands to reason that those 'fans' are going to be less invested in English football's history and cultural heritage - no doubt for many of those people week after week of Liverpool v Barcelona is going to be of greater interest than a season littered with Burnley's and Norwich City's. It's this reality that makes this whole shambolic affair possible.

What the Premier League has done is created a monster it can no longer control - the robots are taking over. They've allowed the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool to become so big globally, that they no longer need the Premier League. They no longer need match-going fans, or even football fans based in England, to be frank.

The Premeir League model since its advent in the early 90s has been motivated by financial greed, and has only become progressively worse over the years. By becoming so blinkered by maximising their own financial wealth, they've failed to see this coming and have got themselves in a right old pickle. Like it or not, the magic money tree is dead without those clubs with a disproportionate global profile - millions of people in the far east are not going to be tuning in to a season of Everton v Newcastle.

Quite the pickle indeed. How they get out of it, I don't know. Can they? I'm not sure, but I am certain that this will all end very badly for someone.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

The worst thing about Liverpool and Man Utd being so heavily involved in this is that they were the main cause of English clubs being banned from European cups in the late 80s.

Maybe it’s time Liverpool and United paid reparations to the likes of Crystal Palace, Derby, Everton and Luton (ok, maybe not Luton) who missed out on entering European competitions due to the bans.

Crystal Palace? Derby? When did they miss out on Europe because of the ban?

You could have said Oxford, Coventry and Wimbledon however who would have qualified for the first and only time.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

I am no fan of Man Utd but how were they responsible for the ban on English clubs? The ban was a direct result of the Heysel 'Disaster' and I say 'disaster' because it was caused by a large group of Liverpool 'fans' attacking Juventus fans in a pre meditated act of hooliganism. This has been lost in the media outpouring following Hillsborough and the myth of Liverpool fans being lovable, immensely humorous scousers. Liverpool have a hardcore following of deeply unpleasant and violent characters who somewhow keep below the radar of the media and the club's excellent PR.

Only last week the Real Madrid bus was attacked as it arrived at Anfield by a group of 400 (according to the BBC website) Liverpool 'fans' who were also breaching Covid rules.

Liverpool are not the only club who were involved in violence in Europe at the time (Leeds' European campaigns were peppered with 'fan' violence) but the ban had nothing to do directly with Man Utd.

But this was all before Sky, The Champions League and the EPL erased history and started the world again at Year Zero.

United fans caused all kinds of problems abroad in the late 70s and 80s. In 1977, United had to play their Cup Winners Cul tie with Saint Etienne in Plymouth as punishment for their fans’ antics.

Although I couldn’t single out Liverpool fans in my original post for fear of reprisals. I need a new passport so I don’t want to rock the ferry!!

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Crystal Palace? Derby? When did they miss out on Europe because of the ban?

You could have said Oxford, Coventry and Wimbledon however who would have qualified for the first and only time.

Palace would have qualified in 90/91 with Wright, Bright and Alan Pardinho.

Derby in 89/90 with Saunders and Shilton.

The green eyed monster will just get bigger and greedier, the more money paid by the boradcasters, more money paid to the players and their agents.

That's the problem, clubs need more money, because they are paying silly money to players. How long before the first player is paid a billion.

The problem is the Yanks in our game, wanting a closed shop, to protect their interests and they interests only.

No promotion or relegation is the Yank way.

How many of these clubs are operating at a profit?

Chelsea have 1.3 billion, that is billion of debt.
They are talking 15 billion between the clubs.
Not shared equally either.

Kinda laughable to see fans of Man City coming out and calling this a disgrace as if they've developed a moral compass at last. The same fans who have lapped up all the sucess bought off the back of human rights abuses and sportwashed black gold. And this is their line in the sand? Give me a break.

Is this just not the latest episode in the never-ending saga of billionaire brinkmanship?

These clowns will never do it, they’ve been threatening for decades, they haven’t got the bottom because they know it’ll fizzle out in a couple of years.

There’ll be a climb down in a few days and it’ll be used as leverage for more money, more power, more influence.

The FA, Football League, FIFA etc should call their bluff but as they’ve all got their snouts in the trough they don’t want their cup final junkets and wine-soaked annual meetings to evaporate.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

United fans caused all kinds of problems abroad in the late 70s and 80s. In 1977, United had to play their Cup Winners Cul tie with Saint Etienne in Plymouth as punishment for their fans’ antics.

Although I couldn’t single out Liverpool fans in my original post for fear of reprisals. I need a new passport so I don’t want to rock the ferry!!

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-09-sp-2301-story.html

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Palace would have qualified in 90/91 with Wright, Bright and Alan Pardinho.

Derby in 89/90 with Saunders and Shilton.

English clubs were back in Europe by 90/91. In fact Man Utd won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 90/91. Palace didn’t qualify because 3rd place wasn’t good enough back then.

Arsenal went into the European Cup as champions. Tottenham & Man Utd played in the Cup Winners’ Cup as FA Cup Winners & defending champions respectively. And Liverpool & Sheffield Wednesday played in the UEFA Cup as league runner-up & League Cup Winners.

And Derby only finished 5th...

Quoted from ska face

Is this just not the latest episode in the never-ending saga of billionaire brinkmanship?

These clowns will never do it, they’ve been threatening for decades, they haven’t got the bottom because they know it’ll fizzle out in a couple of years.

There’ll be a climb down in a few days and it’ll be used as leverage for more money, more power, more influence.

The FA, Football League, FIFA etc should call their bluff but as they’ve all got their snouts in the trough they don’t want their cup final junkets and wine-soaked annual meetings to evaporate.

At first I thought it was a negotiating tactic. Now I’m not so sure. You’ve got 6 clubs who are jealous of the money the Premier League generates and how much extra English clubs get in Europe because of the BT deal and 6 English clubs (5 owned by foreigners and one by a tax exile with no interest in traditions of English or European football) who have a deluded opinion of their status and aren’t satisfied that upstarts like Leicester, West Ham and co are able to compete with them.

I don’t think it will happen but I fear too much will be surrendered to the greedy 12 as a compromise.

Will be interesting to see what Klopp does. The Germany or Bayern job appears to be available. Don’t be surprised to see him resign in protest.

The club who lost out the most were (ironically) Everton. They were league champions in 1985 and would have played in the European Cup in 1986 but for the ban.

And with the team they had, they'd have done well in it.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

United fans caused all kinds of problems abroad in the late 70s and 80s. In 1977, United had to play their Cup Winners Cul tie with Saint Etienne in Plymouth as punishment for their fans’ antics.

Although I couldn’t single out Liverpool fans in my original post for fear of reprisals. I need a new passport so I don’t want to rock the ferry!!

Take your point, Man Utd have a dark history of supporters causing trouble but there was no real talk of a ban (or if there was, it was just talk) until the Juventus fans were killed at Heysel.

Quoted from malkamalka

As a lifelong Arsenal supporter, I'm disgusted that the club has not only joined, but that the American owner has been a mover/shaker in getting this off the ground. When you look at the ownership of the clubs involved, it consists of billionaires whose only ambition is to make more billions for themselves.

I won't be subscribing to this - and I doubt many Arsenal or Manchester United supporters will be doing so. In fact, our Supporter groups from both clubs have sent a joint letter protesting at our inclusion.

But not disgusted at being part of the formation of the EPL? Not disgusted at the treatment of club staff at the point of announcing a new deal for (I think) Aubameyang? Not disgusted at the selling of the club to foreign owners over a period of time? Not disgusted when Wenger complained about English football traditions that had ben in place for 100 years but made his players tired?

Crocodile tears. You'll be watching when they kick off against Real Madrid.

Congratulations to Leicester City on winning the double this season. No mean feat.

Does this mean we won't be relegated this season as they will be 6 teams short   :)

Interesting approach by the club!

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/

Quoted from promotion plaice

Does this mean we won't be relegated this season as they will be 6 teams short   :)

Clubs will continue to compete in their national leagues.

Quoted Text

Twelve clubs have signed up to the ESL - six of them from the English Premier League.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, would join AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid.

The founding clubs want a new midweek competition with teams continuing to compete in national leagues.

The ESL would have 20 teams. Of these, the 12 founding members - plus three more yet to join - would be permanent members and would never face relegation.

Five other sides would be expected to qualify on an annual basis.

That asterisk leading nowhere is annoying but what a great idea. UTM.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Interesting approach by the club!

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/

Bloody marvellous! 😂😂😂

Quoted from psgmariner

That asterisk leading nowhere is annoying but what a great idea. UTM.

* While stocks last

Quoted from Les Brechin

Interesting approach by the club!

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/

I strongly suspect that the Principle Funder is not behind this and we are seeing the new owners at work.

Let the so called big 6 get on with it, its doomed for failure.  With no relagation or promotion there is no interest.  Imagine half way though the Super League season 4th from bottom plays third from bottom, in any other league this would be an attractive game, commentators would call it a 6 pointer, is this Super League it will be a dead rubber, who would pay to watch a nothing meaningless game!

How can it be a Super League without Gernan and French clubs ?   You can tell its an American idea, bit like Baseball call it the 'World Series'.  

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

I strongly suspect that the Principle Funder is not behind this and we are seeing the new owners at work.

Such a clever piece of marketing and they’re not even the owners yet. Nice to see us doing something proactive!

Quoted from Les Brechin

Clubs will continue to compete in their national leagues.

I think the Premier League have threatened expulsion, lets hope they have the nuts to carry the threat through.
Football will be a better place without the so called big 6.

Quoted from Squinter

Let the so called big 6 get on with it, its doomed for failure.  With no relagation or promotion there is no interest.  Imagine half way though the Super League season 4th from bottom plays third from bottom, in any other league this would be an attractive game, commentators would call it a 6 pointer, is this Super League it will be a dead rubber, who would pay to watch a nothing meaningless game!

How can it be a Super League without Gernan and French clubs ?   You can tell its an American idea, bit like Baseball call it the 'World Series'.  

To be honest its called the World Series as it was originally set up and sponsored as such by The World or maybe Daily World newspaper in America. I used to think the exact same thing as you till a few years ago

With the ESL and new CL structure proposed, where 24 teams out of leagues of 32 can progress, there be a club success co-efficient.   Do you think that a co-efficient can be devised whereby we can join?

Quoted from Madeleymariner

To be honest its called the World Series as it was originally set up and sponsored as such by The World or maybe Daily World newspaper in America. I used to think the exact same thing as you till a few years ago

Thanks for that, I never knew.

Quoted from Azimuth

I think the Premier League have threatened expulsion, lets hope they have the nuts to carry the threat through.
Football will be a better place without the so called big 6.

It's certanly open up the Premier League title to a number of, shall we say, "less fashionable" clubs.

Only twice in its "near" 30 year history has the title not been won by one of the "so called" Big 6.

Yeah and it’s never been won by one of them. Strong case for replacing Tottenham with Blackburn I reckon.

I think the premiere league should come out and say you play in our league or the European one not both.

Promote six clubs from the championship and no relegation. That will get the numbers right

That will have a knock on effect so L1 and 2 will have no relegation this season either.

More teams to be promoted than usual and no teams relegated.

It's a win win situation.

I am not saying this.Just because it will save us I am thinking of the greater good.  ;)

Expel the " Big " six . Promote 6 teams through every league with no relegation this season . Job done Town saved . If they want to come back they will join at National League level if voted in and with financial constraints . That could be the answer.

Quoted from Squinter

Thanks for that, I never knew.

Superbowl champions often call themselves World Champions.

Quoted from Heisenberg

You don’t think they’ll leave the premier league, do you?! No chance. But if they did we might get a reprieve. Ain’t happening though.

They should be made to leave the Premiersh*t. This was inevitable once the Premiersh*t was first formed. Greed was behind that decision and was to the detriment of English football, especially the grass roots football. I don't support any Premiersh*t club and don't subscribe to any TV company that funds it. Sadly too many fans were sucked into the whole mess that is top level football in England - 30 pieces of silver springs to mind.

The lack of irony and awareness of some of the people being quoted over this is breathtaking.

The radio has just played a short interview with a guy from Chelsea's supporters Trust/Fan Club bemoaning the lack of competition and how it's not in the spirit of the game.

That would be the Chelsea owned by a Russian oligarch who isn't allowed to enter the UK and who spaffed money like a fire hose when he took over. No worries about competition and the spirit of the game then.

And how much of that money flowed down to....er...Grimsby? F*ck all is how much.

The football family needs to unite, against the European Super league.  The Yanks want a close shop, to protect their interest and they interest own, not in the interest of the football pyamid in this country or Europe.
This is the time for FIFA, UEFA, FA, Goverment, Premier League, National League, football clubs and every football fan, to SAY NO.

GTFC sending a clear message https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/

The only way to stop this, is for everyone to turn against these 6 clubs who think they are the top dogs of football in English football, not so long ago Man City, Chelsea were playing in the football league they are now trying to destroy.

Its the only way Arsenal, Tottenham and maybe Liverpool are going to get into the Europe (Champions League), because they have not been good enough, so had to make do in the poor mans Europa League.

So to Leicester City and West Ham United who currently sit in 2 of 4 champions league spots, TOUGH. We can not beat on the football pitch, but were bigger than you, so there.

It is like the lad who takes the football home with him, because his mum tells him to come in, if I can't play, you're not playing either.

STAND UP FOR FOOTBALL
The UTM

What "football family"?

If this is a family then I'm seen as the failed brother. The one who's much more successful brother looks at me as if I'm the sh*t on his shoe. The one that only gives me the time of day at Christmas when he can flaunt his wealth and his trophy wife and wants to talk to me about his Porsche. The one who asks me about holidays so he can tell me about his holiday home in Tuscany, while I'm in my caravan at Margate. In the rain.

Football family, my a*se.

Quoted from Les Brechin

Interesting approach by the club!

https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2021/april/big-six-shirt-amnesty-launched/

Brilliant. Love this. Very ungtfc to be this quick and imaginative. I’d be interested to know who’s idea it was and whether it is an example of some of the more positive PR we hope the new regime can bring.

Love the shirt amnesty thing. Well done Town. It’s more something that you can credit to the new regime.

[td]
[/td]

Quoted from Madeleymariner

To be honest its called the World Series as it was originally set up and sponsored as such by The World or maybe Daily World newspaper in America. I used to think the exact same thing as you till a few years ago

That's actually another urban myth:

For many years, it was believed that the name came from the fact that the original series was sponsored by the New York World Telegram newspaper, thus becoming known as the ‘World’s Series’. However, popular as this explanation may be, it’s not actually true and although the newspaper did report the results of the games, it had nothing to do with the naming of the competition.

The real reason behind the name is thanks to Barney Dreyfuss who was the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1903, he wrote to the owner of the Boston Red Sox challenging them to a ‘World’s Championship Series’. The Pirates were the best team in the National League and the Red Sox were the best in the American League.

The games went ahead and Boston won the series five games to three. Over time, the 'World’s Championship Series' name has been shortened to the World Series and has been played every year apart from 1904 and 1994.

https://www.rulesofsport.com/faq/why-is-the-world-series-called-the-world-series-if-only-american-teams-play.html

Just read that an anonymous board member of one of the clubs involved has said the owner is hellbent on the super league idea and 'can't get their heads around the concept of relegation'. Tenner bet the owner referenced is Kroenke at Arsenal who just wants another NFL style franchise set up.

If I recall right, them Indian Fried Chicken millionaires bought Blackburn because they wanted to own a Premier League club not realising they could get relegated. Queue general hatred for Vekys from the fanbase and a fall from the Premier to League 1.

Bonkers.

I've listened to bits and pieces from politicians decrying the new super league. Unfortunately, these same people couldn't be bothered to help the National league teams with grants after Christmas, just loans.

Absolutely amazing that when votes may be at stake ( May elections) they become interested.

I've listened to bits and pieces from politicians decrying the new super league. Unfortunately, these same people couldn't be bothered to help the National league teams with grants after Christmas, just loans.

Absolutely amazing that when votes may be at stake ( May elections) they become interested.

What a shame that those up for election in May cannot do a thing about this. Still, I expect those flag-wavers in power will not be slow in protecting our national sport. Lia Nici will no doubt be lobbying the PM right now.

Quoted from Madeleymariner

To be honest its called the World Series as it was originally set up and sponsored as such by The World or maybe Daily World newspaper in America. I used to think the exact same thing as you till a few years ago

I used to think that too.

Quoted Text

For many years, it was believed that the name came from the fact that the original series was sponsored by the New York World Telegram newspaper, thus becoming known as the ‘World’s Series’. However, popular as this explanation may be, it’s not actually true and although the newspaper did report the results of the games, it had nothing to do with the naming of the competition.

The real reason behind the name is thanks to Barney Dreyfuss who was the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1903, he wrote to the owner of the Boston Red Sox challenging them to a ‘World’s Championship Series’. The Pirates were the best team in the National League and the Red Sox were the best in the American League.

The games went ahead and Boston won the series five games to three. Over time, the 'World’s Championship Series' name has been shortened to the World Series and has been played every year apart from 1904 and 1994.

Supposing theses 6 clubs are kicked out off the premiership, next Sky would be asking for a rebate on their yearly costs as these 6 clubs are not in it anymore. Also what’s to say that Sky/ BT haven’t been approached already about buying into it.

Quoted from cardiffmariner

Brilliant. Love this. Very ungtfc to be this quick and imaginative. I’d be interested to know who’s idea it was and whether it is an example of some of the more positive PR we hope the new regime can bring.

I think it should be pointed out that the original idea came from Kristine Green from the Trust which the club then fully supported. The idea is sheer genius and all I can say is well done Kristine. 👏👏👏👏

No German teams involved in this - we all know why.

Still more to come from this I think.  Looking at the format, to get to the final a team would have to play 23 Super League games, coupled with 38 PL games.  Then you've got FA Cup games, League Cup and International games.  

To what detrement is the Super League gonna have on FA Cup and League Cup, both these cups have already been devalued  by the big 6.  It's up to the FA to make a massive stand on this and limit the amount of team changes the big 6 can make for these cup games.

Due to the sheer volume of games I can also see clubs trying to pull players out of International friendly's and qualifyers, so again de-valueing our national team

I see that the government have said that everything will be put on the table to stop it,,, That probably means cash again for the so called elite . They are just greedy barstewards and dont give a toss about anyone but themselves ,, Its not a sport any more up there its just about money  :(

Quoted from GrimExile

I think it should be pointed out that the original idea came from Kristine Green from the Trust which the club then fully supported. The idea is sheer genius and all I can say is well done Kristine. 👏👏👏👏

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/trade-in-a-big-6-team-football-shirt-get-a-grimsby-town-2021-shirt-free-at-grimsby-town-fc-3709668

Hopefully they'll all drown in their own greed and have to come begging, cap in hand, when it all flops after a season. They can then start again at the bottom of the pyramid, in the National League*







*So long as we're not still there...

Quoted from Withnail

Hopefully they'll all drown in their own greed and have to come begging, cap in hand, when it all flops after a season. They can then start again at the bottom of the pyramid, in the National League*







*So long as we're not still there...

??

Do you really think it will play out that way?
More than likely they are using it as leverage for an improved deal and more income.

Quoted from Withnail

Hopefully they'll all drown in their own greed and have to come begging, cap in hand, when it all flops after a season. They can then start again at the bottom of the pyramid, in the National League*







*So long as we're not still there...

That’s not the bottom. Not even close. Make them start at village level like AFC Wimbledon did.

Quoted from GrimExile

I think it should be pointed out that the original idea came from Kristine Green from the Trust which the club then fully supported. The idea is sheer genius and all I can say is well done Kristine. 👏👏👏👏

And some people don’t believe there are enough supporters  with the nous to run football clubs. This is just one example of the talent available.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

That’s not the bottom. Not even close. Make them start at village level like AFC Wimbledon did.

Even better KM. Make an example of them all.

Will it happen? Will it balls. If this nonsense idea never materialises they'll all be welcomed back into the bosom of the Prem next season as if nothing ever happened, their fans will forget all about it and it'll just be a minor footnote in the history of the Premier League.

I was incredulous when I first read about this yesterday but now I really hope they do sodomist off and it backfires spectacularly.

Without them, the Premier League will be a tame division as everyone will know the best teams and players are missing. It would be like the SPL without Rangers and Celtic.
Likewise, the Champions League will be processions of German sides and PSG.
Same for the FA/League Cup which would be a lot more tinpot.
Even their own league will be missing a lot of the top sides and not all the sides in it are even that good.
Basically, all top-flight football will be ruined.
Even for teams like us, the dream is that one day we could join the top table. If that dream is taken away, no matter how unlikely it is, then the whole sport loses its meaning and we are condemned to forever playing in the "minor leagues".
No thanks.

Think it depends on whether players are prepared to sacrifice their international careers et al for the Benjamin's. I don't doubt that some are completely driven by money but all it'll take is a few high profile players - say Rashford and Kane - to say "thanks, but no thanks" - and there will be a tsunami of players looking, or threatening to look for other clubs, citing breach of contract.

Very interesting that we haven't heard from any of the players at the clubs involved. They're no doubt receiving legal advice, or have been adviced to keen schtum.

I don't think it'll actually happen though.

This could all be hyperbole and orchestrated by these clubs to extract more cash out of UEFA, they’ve bleated on for years about a excrement deal.

I also don’t believe UEFA or the premier league have the balderdash to actually kick teams out, suspend them etc.

https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/mtzp9f/grimsby_town_fc_in_light_of_recent_events_gtfc/

Its gaining traction. Its nice something positive about the club for a change

https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1384249148732444679?s=19

😂

There are 12 founding members of the European Super League. This includes six Premier League sides – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – as well as Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid from La Liga and AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus from Serie A.

This is the reason why,

1. Manchester City - Not so long ago, plying their trade in Championship and League 1 - Manchester City have posted a net loss of £126m for the 2019-20 season after their finances took a hit from the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/12267667/man-city-post-126m-loss-for-2019-20-season-with-finances-affected-by-coronavirus-pandemic

2. Manchester United - Owned by Yanks - net debt has grown to £455.5 million, an increase of £64.2 million compared to last year, according to their second-quarter financial results
https://theathletic.com/news/manchester-united-debt-revenue-losses/gg8mdEPziHtB

3. Liverpool - Owned by Yanks - Liverpool FC revenue drops £44m as impact of no fans hits finances
https://www.thisisanfield.com/2021/01/liverpool-rise-to-top-5-in-revenue-charts-despite-major-financial-blow-of-empty-anfield/

4. Arsenal - Owned by Yanks - So, why is it that Arsenal appear to be in such a difficult financial situation? Arsenal have embraced a self-sustainable model, but it is founded upon Champions League football. For two decades under Arsene Wenger, that was almost viewed as a given. But those days are gone.
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/wage-cuts-lost-millions-why-arsenal-are-facing-a-financial-black-/1rn7mlr1l5k2r129w96et964eb

5. Chelsea - Bankrolled

6. Tottenham - Tottenham's gross debt totals £831million, with £140million owed in transfer debt, £96million in tax debt, £9million in trade creditors and £102million in other creditors equalling the total of £1.177bn.
https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/daniel-levy-tottenham-stadium-debt-19804839

7. AC Milan - Reported 100 million loss but have 0 debt
https://acmilan.theoffside.com/2020/7/2/21310594/ac-milan-post-100-million-in-losses-but-hold-zero-debt-financial-situation-improving-gazidis-news

8. Inter Milan - The Chinese owners of Inter Milan are rushing to raise at least $200m in emergency cash
https://www.ft.com/content/7fdc9a56-75c9-4101-b5c5-bf827a0e7b1d

9. Juventus - Juventus has admitted that they might sell some of their players to balance the books after reporting some financial losses recently.
https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-tipped-to-sell-players-after-financial-losses/

10. Atletico Madrid - Atlético Madrid’s debt has reached €999 million (US$1.19 billion) following the 2019/20 season, according to digital soccer outlet Goal.
https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/atletico-madrid-debt-2019-2020-broadcast-advertising-revenues-la-liga

11. Barcelona - the club are on the verge of bankruptcy. The club are €1,173m in debt, with €730m of that sum due in the short term while €266m is owed to the banks by 30 June, of which €90m is owed to Goldman Sachs.
https://www.football-espana.net/2021/01/25/barcelona-on-the-verge-of-bankruptcy-e1173m-in-debt-e730m-in-short-term

12. Real Madrid -  the gross total debt figure at Madrid now stands at a whopping €901m with the net debt at a figure of €355m.
https://www.football-espana.net/2021/01/27/real-madrid-accounts-reveal-club-in-concerning-e901m-debt

Franchise footall guarantee's revenue every year, without the threat of lost revenue, by not qualifying each year.

where is the money coming from to fund this league?

What happens if Sky and other TV companies aren't interested and it doesn't get coverage?

Spurs and Arsenal will get hammered every week by Europe's elite. Their fans won't want to fork out to watch them being humiliated every week so their shiny new stadiums will be empty.

Barcelona are owned by their fans, so how on earth are they going to get it past them?

I cannot see this ever happening, and it stinks of brinkmanship ahead of negotiations for TV and other rights that are coming up. It looks like the governing bodies have seen through it though, (for once!) and the so called big six have shot themselves in the foot. It takes some doing, getting FIFA, UAFA, Premier League, fans of Man. Utd and Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal united to fight a common cause, but the have managed the impossible over this!

Quoted from mimma

where is the money coming from to fund this league?

What happens if Sky and other TV companies aren't interested and it doesn't get coverage?

Spurs and Arsenal will get hammered every week by Europe's elite. Their fans won't want to fork out to watch them being humiliated every week so their shiny new stadiums will be empty.

Barcelona are owned by their fans, so how on earth are they going to get it past them?

I cannot see this ever happening, and it stinks of brinkmanship ahead of negotiations for TV and other rights that are coming up. It looks like the governing bodies have seen through it though, (for once!) and the so called big six have shot themselves in the foot. It takes some doing, getting FIFA, UAFA, Premier League, fans of Man. Utd and Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal united to fight a common cause, but the have managed the impossible over this!

Me thinks Amazon Prime will be involved somewhere in the TV rights, they have been itching to get involved in PL.  Again they are Yanks who are only interested in profit.

On a personal note I detest Amazon.  The pay no tax's in UK so other UK companies can not compete, they have no enviromental morals ( just look at the volume of packaging they use ), and they have zero respect for thier employees.

Quoted from Squinter

Me thinks Amazon Prime will be involved somewhere in the TV rights, they have been itching to get involved in PL.  Again they are Yanks who are only interested in profit.

On a personal note I detest Amazon.  The pay no tax's in UK so other UK companies can not compete, they have no enviromental morals ( just look at the volume of packaging they use ), and they have zero respect for thier employees.

The Manchester derby on the Disney Channel

Quoted from mimma

where is the money coming from to fund this league?

The US investment bank and now good samaritan philanthropist and also keen football fan JP Morgan are funding it.

Quoted from Squinter

Me thinks Amazon Prime will be involved somewhere in the TV rights, they have been itching to get involved in PL.  Again they are Yanks who are only interested in profit.

On a personal note I detest Amazon.  The pay no tax's in UK so other UK companies can not compete, they have no enviromental morals ( just look at the volume of packaging they use ), and they have zero respect for thier employees.

Not defending Amazon in any way but you've more or less just described most global companies.

In an alternative universe with GTFC top of the premier league we just know King Fenty would be bashing his member all over the shop right now 😂

The Real President said the ESL was created to save football.  

So it’s ok then. We are all wrong.

The arrogance of this statement is truly breathtaking.  Even the Nazi’s struggled to justify their actions to this degree in public.

On a par with inviting convicted fraudsters into a club. The ESL is on a massive scale though.  Although just as corrupt.

Football will go mega bucks one way, and open, competitive integrity the other way.  

When the cartel and closed shop finish in 23 years time, they will invent new ways of making money.


All power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
.

Football has been on the verge of something like this for years. The money has been getting more and more ridiculous. At least the pyramid and promotion/relegation has always been a part of it though, which cannot he said for this shite.

Honestly can’t see this Super League going ahead anyway. Think the government will step in if they have to.

Sky last night put out a statement, saying that they have not been involved, not to say they will.
Was listening to Simon Jordan on Talksport yesterday, he feels that this is a ploy for the bigger teams, to get a bigger slice of the TV revenue from the Champions League and guranteed revenue, by making it members only ie not have to qualify.
Also it will allow the clubs to stream the games, potentially generating more revenue.
Each club will receive 300 million guaranteed + streaming revenue, plus a share of the TV rights from their domestic tv rights.
Also JP Morgan wants a piece of the action, another Yank business.

So each of the Premier teams will be a least 300 million better off, than other Premier team not in the European Super league.
No team will be able to compete financially and what will be the point to win the Premiershit, with no chance of European football.
The Yanks will kill the game as we know it.

Most of these clubs are struggling financially, due to paying silly money to players and agents, until this is address, the problem will just get worse. The problem is we have allowed our clubs to be 100% owned by foreigner owners.

A power struggle is threatening to reshape European soccer, and the UEFA Champions League, the biggest club competition in the world, is poised to take a massive hit.



On Sunday, 12 of Europe’s top soccer clubs announced they were splitting away from the Champions League establishment to form a “Super League.” The new organization represents an existential threat to football associations across the continent and a direct attack on UEFA, which derived 51% of its revenue—$2.37 billion—from Champions League media rights in 2018-19. The rebel collective is being funded at the start by JPMorgan, which has reportedly made a commitment to the Super League of at least $4 billion.

Broadcast fees for the upstart could be enormous. UEFA pulls in nearly $4 billion annually from media rights across all of its competitions, triple the amount it collected in 2011-12, according to the association’s latest financial report. The Super League’s broadcast package itself could amount to hundreds of millions annually, and it has a massive opportunity to blend traditional linear television rights with streaming, subscription, gambling and social media in a globally unprecedented, fully integrated manner. The league can count on the popularity of its members and an increasingly favorable regulatory environment to boost its ceiling as well.

UEFA, the administrative body overseeing European soccer and one of six continental subsidiaries of FIFA, runs competitions among national teams like the quadrennial European Championship as well as the world-renowned Champions League. It manages prize money, controls media rights and sets regulations for its 55 member associations.

The Super League’s founding members are some of the world’s most valuable sports teams, collectively worth $37.2 billion: Spain’s Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona; Italy’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus; and the U.K.’s Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Losing those teams would deprive UEFA of the massive crowds that gather to watch superstars like Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

The move, while bold, is no surprise, says sports consultant Marc Ganis. Rumblings of a clandestine operation circled the global soccer landscape for years as player-transfer costs and salaries rose to what many in the soccer world gripe are “obscene levels,” according to Ganis. The explosion in media rights fees and new team owners flooding the sport with money have offered clubs some opportunity to seek even greater financial security. The economic uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns further exacerbated “an already-imbalanced situation.” The announcement of the Super League is a step further.

“There’s a lot at stake for FIFA, UEFA and the national federations,” Dr. Kenneth Cortsen, a sports economist at University College of Northern Denmark, says of the power struggle now playing out in the media. “They know that the big clubs have a lot of negotiating power and a lot of consumer appeal because they have the best players. What’s at stake here is soccer’s integrity, soccer’s identity and soccer’s soul, but also significant resources in terms of revenues that UEFA would like to protect.”

The absence of high-end, internationally recognized teams, and their star players, could significantly depress the value of UEFA’s broadcast offering. Clubs have to qualify for the Champions League every year and aren’t guaranteed a spot in the competition. And although broadcast deals tend to be enforceable as long as games are played, a tournament of this magnitude without some of Europe’s most popular clubs could compel broadcasters to rethink their deals in the region and around the world. ViacomCBS and Univision together spend a reported $150 million annually on the American rights to the Champions League, with CBS making the matches a key component of its Paramount+ streaming offering.

“Even if the broadcasters don’t have a legal right to terminate or renegotiate, they would very well look to a voluntary renegotiation of the existing deals,” Ganis says. “Change has been in the air for some time.”

Still, the breakaway will be tricky for the new league, which needs to cement its efforts in the face of pushback from existing soccer governing organizations. A statement from UEFA went as far as to threaten banning players from the domestic, European and world stages, which could bar global stars like Ronaldo and Messi from playing with their national teams.

“I believe with the things that we have seen so far that it will end with a compromise between FIFA, UEFA, national football associations and the leagues and these 12 clubs,” Cortsen says. He adds, “However, I think we could see FIFA, UEFA, national football associations and leagues claw with their fingernails to protect their current position in the global hierarchy of professional football.”

There is a delicious irony here. The PL and FIFA and UEFA have treated the genuine fans and the smaller clubs like something on the bottom of their posh shoes. They have run the game for the past 2 decades to suit themselves and imposed stupid competitions and things like VAR.

Now that domination is threatened. Their monopoly is challenged by a bigger wallet. So what do they do? They cry shame and accuse that wallet of killing the game they were already well on the way to throttling. Then they have to cheek to try and enlist the support of the genuine (mainly EFL) fans in their hypocritical righteous anger when all it really means is one big business taking over a slightly smaller big business.

The fact is that unless you happen to be unfortunate and a true long term supporter of one of those clubs, it will make bu99er all difference. They have been playing their own game for so long now it is just a part of life, wave them bye bye if they want to go. Leave it to FIFA to sort out, it means nothing to us playing our local derby with Kings Lynn next year.

If it was me I would simply isolate them from the rest of football, let them set their own rules and make sure the words “soccer” and “association football” are patented so their organisation can’t use them, invite the rump of the PL to disband the PL and join the EFL. Then forget them.

James Corden having a rant on the Late Late Show. Well worth a look and he puts his point over superbly. Apologies if this link has already been posted elsewhere but there’s 16 pages on the Super League and I didn’t have time to wade through the lot to check.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxvgwvaX_4

According to a yougov poll quoted on the BBC website 79% of football fans surveyed are against the super league.

[b][/b]ONLY 79% ???!!!

That poll shows once and for all that there’s a significant cuntish minority on the terraces who deserve everything that comes from this shitfest.

Quoted from WesternMariner

According to a yougov poll quoted on the BBC website 79% of football fans surveyed are against the super league.

[b][/b]ONLY 79% ???!!!

That poll shows once and for all that there’s a significant cuntish minority on the terraces who deserve everything that comes from this shitfest.

They won't ever have been on the terraces though to be fair. executive box, executive seats yes, but not terraces...

The problem is the true fans of these may turn their backs on the clubs, but the market is much bigger in Asia than Europe.
These are people who will be happy subscribe to the European Super League.
Thats why we English clubs have had no pre-season friendies from top Premiership teams, to busy playing pre-season friendies in Asia.

Quoted from GrimExile

James Corden having a rant on the Late Late Show. Well worth a look and he puts his point over superbly. Apologies if this link has already been posted elsewhere but there’s 16 pages on the Super League and I didn’t have time to wade through the lot to check.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxvgwvaX_4

Oh dear. The last person I would want to see saying anything about football. Another dollar grubber too. I haven’t looked but what does Beckham say about it?

I'm slightly nonplussed by the outpouring about this on The Fishy.

This is so far away from us. I personally feel it has nothing to do with me. We are already the impoverished relations in football and we're not going to be worse off as a result of this because we can't get worse off (in football terms). We won't lose money because we don't get any money from the current set up as it is.

My gut feeling is that Real can play Chelsea every other week for gazillions but we (and many clubs like us) will continue to plough our little backwater furrow in an alternative football universe.

Have we had 'The Hope' taken away from us? Not really, we're not going to win the EPL and want to play in the Super League. Hope for us is mid table in The Championship one day, right now it's that Southend and us win tonight.

Do I care that Liverpool or Arsenal are owned by Americans (or whatever)? Not really, that ship has sailed. Football at that level has been about money for years and if the 'big clubs' are run by money obsessed billionaires milking every cent then so what?

And what of 'the fans'? The working class heroes on the terraces? Please find me one Liverpool supporter who took a step back when they won the Champions League last time and said "we really need to think about how our win can benefit Grimsby Town". I'll be here waiting......

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

Oh dear. The last person I would want to see saying anything about football. Another dollar grubber too. I haven’t looked but what does Beckham say about it?

Have you listened to it though? He talks a lot of sense and he spoke from the heart. Another dollar grubber? Maybe but the way he’s earning money does not effect the lives of others in a way that this Super League does. So to bracket him as the same as the Super League clubs is a little unfair I feel. #UTM

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

I'm slightly nonplussed by the outpouring about this on The Fishy.

This is so far away from us. I personally feel it has nothing to do with me. We are already the impoverished relations in football and we're not going to be worse off as a result of this because we can't get worse off (in football terms). We won't lose money because we don't get any money from the current set up as it is.

My gut feeling is that Real can play Chelsea every other week for gazillions but we (and many clubs like us) will continue to plough our little backwater furrow in an alternative football universe.

Have we had 'The Hope' taken away from us? Not really, we're not going to win the EPL and want to play in the Super League. Hope for us is mid table in The Championship one day, right now it's that Southend and us win tonight.

Do I care that Liverpool or Arsenal are owned by Americans (or whatever)? Not really, that ship has sailed. Football at that level has been about money for years and if the 'big clubs' are run by money obsessed billionaires milking every cent then so what?

And what of 'the fans'? The working class heroes on the terraces? Please find me one Liverpool supporter who took a step back when they won the Champions League last time and said "we really need to think about how our win can benefit Grimsby Town". I'll be here waiting......

Totally agree. While the greed galls me as a person, I am sure the Glazers have no interest at all in stumping up a subsidy for Town’s travelling army.

Quoted from heppy88

In an alternative universe with GTFC top of the premier league we just know King Fenty would be bashing his member all over the shop right now 😂

Who would you prefer? Macca?

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

They won't ever have been on the terraces though to be fair. executive box, executive seats yes, but not terraces...

Sky/BT subscription more like. Or watch it in the pub.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

I'm slightly nonplussed by the outpouring about this on The Fishy.

This is so far away from us. I personally feel it has nothing to do with me. We are already the impoverished relations in football and we're not going to be worse off as a result of this because we can't get worse off (in football terms). We won't lose money because we don't get any money from the current set up as it is.

My gut feeling is that Real can play Chelsea every other week for gazillions but we (and many clubs like us) will continue to plough our little backwater furrow in an alternative football universe.

Have we had 'The Hope' taken away from us? Not really, we're not going to win the EPL and want to play in the Super League. Hope for us is mid table in The Championship one day, right now it's that Southend and us win tonight.

Do I care that Liverpool or Arsenal are owned by Americans (or whatever)? Not really, that ship has sailed. Football at that level has been about money for years and if the 'big clubs' are run by money obsessed billionaires milking every cent then so what?

And what of 'the fans'? The working class heroes on the terraces? Please find me one Liverpool supporter who took a step back when they won the Champions League last time and said "we really need to think about how our win can benefit Grimsby Town". I'll be here waiting......

I see where you’re coming from, but this won’t be the end of it, just like the premier league’s foundation wasn’t the end. Look at the way the youth development funding works and how talented kids can get scooped up. This lot don’t know the meaning of enough.

Quoted from heppy88

In an alternative universe with GTFC top of the premier league we just know King Fenty would be bashing his member all over the shop right now 😂

Poor John Lennel Lewis, I know he's missed a few sitters just lately, but to me bashed out by Fenty's member is a tad unfair 🤣

Will be interesting to see what Pep Guardiola's press conference will be like in an hours time? The silence from Man City's owners is very unlike them and worrying, despite them being in a no-win situation. They haven't invested for the past 13 years to then suddenly decline a place at the perceived 'top table' ... but then again alienate the entire Blues fanbase in the process?

Spurs in the Big 6? When did they last win the league? 1962 wasn’t it?

And Forest have twice as many CL wins as Arsenal, Chelse, Man City and Spurs put together.

But it’s not about merit obviously.

Whole thing stinks.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Sky/BT subscription more like. Or watch it in the pub.

This

Quoted from RonMariner

Spurs in the Big 6? When did they last win the league? 1962 wasn’t it?

And Forest have twice as many CL wins as Arsenal, Chelse, Man City and Spurs put together.

But it’s not about merit obviously.

Whole thing stinks.

Putting Spurs in the super league is like putting Susan Boyle on Love Island

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I see where you’re coming from, but this won’t be the end of it, just like the premier league’s foundation wasn’t the end. Look at the way the youth development funding works and how talented kids can get scooped up. This lot don’t know the meaning of enough.

Youth development is the one area where we could benefit - if we sold a youth product to a team in the new super league we could probably make a fortune (as Stevenage just have) but the last player we sold to a premier league team was (I think) John Oster.

It may not be the end of it, but it still won't affect us. If a world cup for clubs was set up for Super League clubs and they decided to play it on Saturn, in terms of Grimsby Town, so what?

That poll is based on 1300 odd votes.

Quoted from CodHead

The Manchester derby on the Disney Channel

Serious point...

There’s a league with 15 permanent members and of those members 3 are from London, and 2 each from Manchester, Madrid and Milan.

How long down the line before, maybe the Glazers, decide having Man City on their doorstep means their market is too overcrowded and they want to move their SL home games to another city (maybe New York)?

What’s to stop Fenway moving a couple of home matches to Boston? Or Stan Kroenke having Arsenal home games in Los Angeles?

Money talks with these people. Nothing is off the table for them.

Quoted from GrimExile

I think it should be pointed out that the original idea came from Kristine Green from the Trust which the club then fully supported. The idea is sheer genius and all I can say is well done Kristine. 👏👏👏👏

The concept originally came from the DN35 Podcast didn't it?  Suggesting that the club offer a shirt-for-ticket amnesty.

Either way it's great that the club* are listening to what fans are saying and suggesting.  



*we know it's not the current board...

Am I the only one loving this? Ban them from english football for life and our leagues competetive appeal will continue to win fans worldwide while an ESL would be a bunch of overpaid 'stars' with no threat of relegation cantering round the pitch

I'm not sure if I'm alone in thinking this but I really couldn't care about this breakaway league.

The highest levels of football have been dead to me for a fair few years.  I don't care if it's Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Everton, Leicester, Burnley....they're all greedy fornicators who have done everything in their power to crap on everyone else below them.

The Premier League will cry foul about this but didn't care when they broke away in 1992 and saw that the distribution of wealth was dramatically filtered towards the top.  They didn't care when they advocated the move towards the 39th game.  They didn't care when they took an axe to cup replays to feather their own interests at the detriment to the potential income sources of the little clubs.  They certainly didn't cry foul about their own plans under EPPP which basically ensured that they can cherry pick and stockpile talented players for a pittance from the little clubs.

Nah, they paved the way for this path and now they're crying because it's working against them.  They've created a culture of greed within the game and now it's come back to bite them.

For all this talk of the footballing family, where was it when the clubs at the bottom needed them?

For me, as a Town fan and with an otherwise common interest in the game, this has no impact on me at all.  The integrity of our sport has long been dragged through the hedge and down the drain.

I understand the financial consequence of all this and how it may filter down to us.  However this has been long overdue and this may well serve as a perfect reboot for those clubs that remain in the English pyramid.  

The actual concept of this Super League is hilarious but sadly it'll probably work, especially in the short-term.  For all the pending protests and arms waving in uproar, it'll pale in comparison to the extra revenue that will be created in the Asian, African and American markets.   Anyone who thinks Joel Glazer will look at Ken from Trafford protesting and decide his view is more important than wads of money is deluded.

Let 'em go.  Laugh at the Premier League for creating the monster that ends up eating them.  Laugh even harder when the Super League itself implodes when it turns out that the combined global armchair audience only care about 3 or 4 teams.  The likes of Arsenal will be of no interest to a tourist fan in Shanghai and the calls will be to remove them so they can watch Barca v Liverpool 12 times a season.

Can't wait.

Quoted from AussieMariner

Putting Spurs in the super league is like putting Susan Boyle on Love Island

Love Island with Susan Boyle would have better viewing figures than any ESL game involving Spurs.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Serious point...

There’s a league with 15 permanent members and of those members 3 are from London, and 2 each from Manchester, Madrid and Milan.

How long down the line before, maybe the Glazers, decide having Man City on their doorstep means their market is too overcrowded and they want to move their SL home games to another city (maybe New York)?

What’s to stop Fenway moving a couple of home matches to Boston? Or Stan Kroenke having Arsenal home games in Los Angeles?

Money talks with these people. Nothing is off the table for them.

The Spurs stadium is built with 2 dressing rooms either side of the ground......because that's what the NFL demands. The NFL plays games in London and wants a London based team.

We all know about NFL teams being franchised - when the Rams moved to St Louis they built a purpose built stadium right in central St Louis. The franchise moved to LA and the stadium became a useless white elephant and central St Louis became a ghost town.

Your nightmare scenario is already happening in other sports! Why would football be any different?

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Serious point...

There’s a league with 15 permanent members and of those members 3 are from London, and 2 each from Manchester, Madrid and Milan.

How long down the line before, maybe the Glazers, decide having Man City on their doorstep means their market is too overcrowded and they want to move their SL home games to another city (maybe New York)?

What’s to stop Fenway moving a couple of home matches to Boston? Or Stan Kroenke having Arsenal home games in Los Angeles?

Money talks with these people. Nothing is off the table for them.

Agree with you, the Americans now have 'American Football' at Wembley and I believe that a Russian side train in Moscow and fly out to Siberia on match days. The only local connection being the club name!

It's been about money since 1992 and unfortunately, that will always be the case at the top. ull, Wigan, Barnsley, Bolton have all been there, and look at them now. No one cares anymore.

Quoted from diehardmariner

I'm not sure if I'm alone in thinking this but I really couldn't care about this breakaway league.

The highest levels of football have been dead to me for a fair few years.  I don't care if it's Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Everton, Leicester, Burnley....they're all greedy fornicators who have done everything in their power to crap on everyone else below them.

The Premier League will cry foul about this but didn't care when they broke away in 1992 and saw that the distribution of wealth was dramatically filtered towards the top.  They didn't care when they advocated the move towards the 39th game.  They didn't care when they took an axe to cup replays to feather their own interests at the detriment to the potential income sources of the little clubs.  They certainly didn't cry foul about their own plans under EPPP which basically ensured that they can cherry pick and stockpile talented players for a pittance from the little clubs.

Nah, they paved the way for this path and now they're crying because it's working against them.  They've created a culture of greed within the game and now it's come back to bite them.

For all this talk of the footballing family, where was it when the clubs at the bottom needed them?

For me, as a Town fan and with an otherwise common interest in the game, this has no impact on me at all.  The integrity of our sport has long been dragged through the hedge and down the drain.

I understand the financial consequence of all this and how it may filter down to us.  However this has been long overdue and this may well serve as a perfect reboot for those clubs that remain in the English pyramid.  

The actual concept of this Super League is hilarious but sadly it'll probably work, especially in the short-term.  For all the pending protests and arms waving in uproar, it'll pale in comparison to the extra revenue that will be created in the Asian, African and American markets.   Anyone who thinks Joel Glazer will look at Ken from Trafford protesting and decide his view is more important than wads of money is deluded.

Let 'em go.  Laugh at the Premier League for creating the monster that ends up eating them.  Laugh even harder when the Super League itself implodes when it turns out that the combined global armchair audience only care about 3 or 4 teams.  The likes of Arsenal will be of no interest to a tourist fan in Shanghai and the calls will be to remove them so they can watch Barca v Liverpool 12 times a season.

Can't wait.

I agree with what you have posted. To add to it one or two club spokesmen also said it was what football need ( or words to that effect ) and that it would help football!

Indeed all these rich clubs and players on £100k's per week want to help football. I didn't see them queueing up to help a well-run club, Dover who had simply run out of money because of covid.

Quoted from DB

Agree with you, the Americans now have 'American Football' at Wembley and I believe that a Russian side train in Moscow and fly out to Siberia on match days. The only local connection being the club name!

It's been about money since 1992 and unfortunately, that will always be the case at the top. ull, Wigan, Barnsley, Bolton have all been there, and look at them now. No one cares anymore.

Hull is a fantastic example, changing their identity to appeal to a global market as if that counted for anything and now theyre in league one

If we lose tonight then our invite is surely scuppered?

Quoted from DB

I agree with what you have posted. To add to it one or two club spokesmen also said it was what football need ( or words to that effect ) and that it would help football!

Indeed all these rich clubs and players on £100k's per week want to help football. I didn't see them queueing up to help a well-run club, Dover who had simply run out of money because of covid.

Having seen that quote, to be honest I've tuned out of a lot of it, but it doesn't surprise me in the slightest.

Mirrors when they set up the Premier League to help the national game....lost track of all the successes we've had on the back of it.

Gary Neville makes me laugh, slating the big six for being only interested in money at the expense of proper clubs.

Yet Salford City are buying their way through the leagues at the expense of proper clubs.

Hypocrite.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

Youth development is the one area where we could benefit - if we sold a youth product to a team in the new super league we could probably make a fortune (as Stevenage just have) but the last player we sold to a premier league team was (I think) John Oster.

It may not be the end of it, but it still won't affect us. If a world cup for clubs was set up for Super League clubs and they decided to play it on Saturn, in terms of Grimsby Town, so what?

I wish they would fcuk off to Saturn. We won’t sell another youth product for big money either - that chicken feed subsidy arrangement means they can pick our players for effectively an admin fee.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Gary Neville makes me laugh, slating the big six for being only interested in money at the expense of proper clubs.

Yet Salford City are buying their way through the leagues at the expense of proper clubs.

Hypocrite.

There’s a common expression in Aus - ‘it’s only a rort if you’re not in on it’

I had to laugh when Holloway bolloxed on about greed on TalkSPORT yesterday

Quoted from promotion plaice

Gary Neville makes me laugh, slating the big six for being only interested in money at the expense of proper clubs.

Yet Salford City are buying their way through the leagues at the expense of proper clubs.

Hypocrite.

The only reason he's drunk off is because its happened before he's got his pet club in to the prem

The 6 clubs will also want the biggest slice of any premier league tv money negotiated for the next few seasons aswell no doubt.

BBC now saying that Chelsea are pulling out.

Quoted from pizzzza

BBC now saying that Chelsea are pulling out.

Bloody BBC, they weren’t interested last night when I was doing just that!!!

i'm convinced this is a spanish ploy to get La Liga money as they are struggling financially and something about their TV deal not being renewed or something, cant remember where a heard/read that. If they dont get income they have to sell maybe even making them less competitive against the other big boys..  And the American owners have bought into it, probably being offered an NFL style league.

Its just greed at the end of the day, they could have gone to UEFA/FiFA with their concerns and atleast speak to them about a new league, but then they wouldn't have control of the money would they.

Quoted from pizzzza

BBC now saying that Chelsea are pulling out.

City too apparently.

Super League abandoned and Ed Woodward has resigned.

City & Chelsea pulling out ... bet Kroenke, Henry & Glazers are gutted 😆

I could support this super league if there was not a guaranteed position for certain clubs, by creating this league EUFA would have been well and truly dumped on,as we all know how corrupt them and FIFA really are.

Agnelli has resigned from Juve now. Piece of sh1t

Quoted from promotion plaice

Gary Neville makes me laugh, slating the big six for being only interested in money at the expense of proper clubs.

Yet Salford City are buying their way through the leagues at the expense of proper clubs.

Hypocrite.

But that's the pyramid isn't it? For every Wimbledon or Burton, there's a Salford or a Fleetwood.

Quoted from Knut Anders Fosters Voles

Agnelli has resigned from Juve now. Piece of sh1t

Sadly, he’ll be back in some form. He’s extremely useful to the various honest chaps cleaning their money through the club.

Pirlo will be shitting it; Agnelli is the only reason he’s still got a job...

Looks like it's going to fizzle out quicker than one of Holloway's signings becoming disillusioned

All 6 clubs now backed out. Methinks there was some other purpose to this as it all fell away so quickly.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56823501

Oh what a shame for them...

Quoted from ginnywings

All 6 clubs now backed out. Methinks there was some other purpose to this as it all fell away so quickly.

Definitely a stalking horse brought to you by official Emirati match day solvent sponsor, Copydex.

If protesting ‘fans’ of the Super 6 had a spine they would continue this movement and strip Qatar of the World Cup, remove MK Dons from the league (saving Town) and force Mino Raiola and his mates out of business.  

If the PL had a spine, they could take the view that the owners of the 6 clubs who signed up for the European Pooper League have - by that action - demonstrated
that they are not 'fit and proper' persons to own a PL football club.

And kick them out...



(Maybe they're too rich to have the rules applied to them, though.)

I wouldn't have been surprised if Juve and Milan had pulled out because their security couldn't guarantee the owners' safety.

In a way it's a bit disappointing the "Big" Six caved in so easily. I don't think their owners have had long enough to absorb the lesson.

What we’ll never know is if the other corrupt organisation, uefa, caved and just offered them the cash they’ve been cryarsing about for years.

In truth I was sceptical it would ever get off the ground and it seems they’ve either less backbone than we thought or got what they deserved.

I’m fed up of hearing Neville go on about unscrupulous owners and the like though...hypocritical big nosed girl private.

Beep beep beep......6 clubs reversing.....beep beep beep....6 clubs reversing

Funny how once these type of plans come out in the open the clubs suddenly don't want anything to do with them, sitting in a private meeting staring at cash projections the whole scheme looked great.....
Has a ring of Fenty, Day and May to it.

Was very impressed by Guardiola last night. Summed it up perfectly

Quoted from buckstown

Was very impressed by Guardiola last night. Summed it up perfectly

Yes but it was a rearguard action and it is still very naive to think an ESL will not happen. Those US backers have invested too much for it not to come back in some other form. Their model is the franchise system and wage cap from the other sports. Football in short bursts is their aim for the game. Just like cricket limited overs, designed for a) short attention span kids and Homer Simpsons and b) time gaps for plugging, selling and advertising. It will come in the finish.

The best we can hope for is that the traditional game will continue to attract kids but personally I don’t see too much sign that is the case and the Woodwards and co. know that. They are right, a digital speeded up version of the game is the most sustainable way to make money. Eventually the players on the pitch will be largely from poor third world countries and the watchers will be first world kids on couches.

Drip feed approach.

Each time they see how much people will tolerate.  They haven't backtracked at all.  They took 5 steps forward with this one and have taken 3 back.   Not a chance in hell that they've abandoned the plans just because fans have protested and Chris Sutton has cried about it on Radio 5.

It's brinkmanship.  UEFA know full well their competitions are dead without the bigger clubs.  Fair play for Bayern and PSG, Dortmund too, not getting involved but you're not going to get an elite competition with those 3 clubs.  Absolutely certain there will have been a demand put in front of UEFA for a concession to be made in the near future, one which was very quickly accepted.

UEFA are hanging onto their sphere of power by a thread, they'll do anything to keep it for another few years.  As an organisation it's had its day and along with the Premier League and other leagues is now doing whatever it can to prolong itself.  Ultimately though the power has gone, it's gone to the bigger clubs and they'll dictate what they want.  

This isn't the end of this Super League or Project Big Picture, or the 39th Game, or PPV games, or franchised teams....it's coming.

As usual a constructive opinion from John Barnes. (On BBC Sport I think - can't find the link)
This is  nothing to do with the ripped off fans - its about who has the power over the gravy train  - EUFA/FIFA/ SKY/P/L etc .
He even alludes to the fact that this will have no impact on the likes of Grimsby Town.

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

As usual a constructive opinion from John Barnes. (On BBC Sport I think - can't find the link)
This is  nothing to do with the ripped off fans - its about who has the power over the gravy train  - EUFA/FIFA/ SKY/P/L etc .
He even alludes to the fact that this will have no impact on the likes of Grimsby Town.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DFO3vzH3yug&feature=youtu.be

If the 14 “non-Big” clubs had any sense they’d vote through a change in distribution of foreign TV money back to how it was before (i.e. split evenly between all 20 clubs) they changed it to part performance related.

You need a 14-6 majority to make changes in the PL. The 14 could rewrite the rules of the entire league if they wanted.

https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/1386562133702414337?s=19

This needs to be shared far and wide. I don't have sufficient words to describe the levels of greed and debt. What the intercourse are FFP rules for exactly?

The apparent motives for the Dirty Dozen are different.  Real Madrid had been planning the ESL in private for 3 years. This is shocking.

Like Barcelona they have massive debts that are unsustainable.  Each club supporting a star player and trying to keep up with each other - and buy trophies.

The ESL was seen as a quick win for Madrid in reducing the debt.  Their share of the initial £3 Billion plus was the big carrot.  The Real President is a massive fan and all new capital would have gone into the club.  He would not gain personally.

In England there are no such massive debt pressures forcing change.  

Man United were different from the other 5 English clubs.  They were one of the main instigators of the ESL.  It can be reasonably assumed given the Glaziers track record, that the owners’ motivation was personal gain and greed.  No honour whatsoever.

it has been reported that the other 5 English clubs were fearful of being left behind.  They had good income streams,  no unsustainable debts, and are/were generally successful.   As such they were not as motivated as some clubs.  Although they did formally sign-up.

These 5 clubs were the first to crack.  Decisions also made by the overwhelming criticism from their own fans, managers and the Government.  Large protests.  British sense of fair play.  23 years with no relegation beggars belief.  

In Spain there were no protests, or on a much lower level.  They had no sense of outrage as happened in this country. They were laid back and accepted the weaknesses of their club owners.

There are unsubstantiated reports that one unnamed English club only joined the ESL to undermine it from the inside.  

Juventus also seemed to be in the ESL for all the wrong reasons.  AC Milan and Inter Milan are more on the same plane as the 5 English clubs.

Given the weakness of EUFA and meaningless CL games in the group stages, further more refined changes will be planned.  Greed, fear and the pursuit of success and trophies are powerful motivators.  

There is big money backing the ESL from the banks.  Where there is a lot of money there is usually corporate corruption.  In this case there was also football corruption, moral corruption and betrayal of fans.

Quoted from codcheeky

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/ed-woodward-boris-johnson-manchester-united-b1836076.html

Yet another example of Johnson lying. I’m sure he’s not the only one who was in on it and then came out against it when they realised the strength of public opinion. Spineless

I see the 9 teams who dropped out of the ESL have accepted a sanction from UEFA. The 3 remaining ESL teams are facing further action- presumably they will be given an immediately deadline to withdraw and accept the same terms as the other 9 or be banned from all UEFA club competitions?

Nice to see that UEFA have reverted back to normal and are putting fans second again after the ESL debacle.   The Champions League final has been moved to Portugal instead of Wembley all so 3000 Officials and VIP's can attend.   Fans can travel to watch the game, but they will have to pay for Covid tests out of their own pocket, I saw a bit on the news this morning saying this cost will be £300 per person !!!   This is not putting the fans first.   Most importantly is 3000 people from the UK's Amber and Red List countries can now mingle with the 10000 Chelski and City fans.   It's all wrong on so many levels.  

Quoted from Squinter

Nice to see that UEFA have reverted back to normal and are putting fans second again after the ESL debacle.   The Champions League final has been moved to Portugal instead of Wembley all so 3000 Officials and VIP's can attend.   Fans can travel to watch the game, but they will have to pay for Covid tests out of their own pocket, I saw a bit on the news this morning saying this cost will be £300 per person !!!   This is not putting the fans first.   Most importantly is 3000 people from the UK's Amber and Red List countries can now mingle with the 10000 Chelski and City fans.   It's all wrong on so many levels.  

Makes no sense whatsoever. Why on earth can't they play the game at Wembley and save all the hassle. I know that there is already a game scheduled to be played there that day but it's already been announced that game could be rescheduled.

still havent heard about my Euro tickets. its a complete Farce. im sure they'll all go to corporate

Quoted from Les Brechin

Makes no sense whatsoever. Why on earth can't they play the game at Wembley and save all the hassle. I know that there is already a game scheduled to be played there that day but it's already been announced that game could be rescheduled.

Portugal is nice and sunny.  ;)

Isn't Portugal where they had the meetings for the Chicken Tray Trophy?

Quoted from Les Brechin

Makes no sense whatsoever. Why on earth can't they play the game at Wembley and save all the hassle. I know that there is already a game scheduled to be played there that day but it's already been announced that game could be rescheduled.

It seems to be because our government wouldn’t relax the rules on all the officials and hangers on having to do a 10 day quarantine depending on which country they were coming from.

It is actually costing them more to hold it in Portugal than it would in the uk and so for once it does not seem to be about the money