Right over my head. I’ve never paid any attention to soccer in the US, let alone in Europe or elsewhere. All I know for sure is that professional athletes in almost all sports are way overpaid.
Here is what we know so far about the plan by 12 of the world’s biggest soccer clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Juventus, to compete against one another while claiming even more riches for themselves.
The announcement calls into question the Champions League and the domestic competitions that have anchored the sport for more than a century. Big money is at stake: The Super League’s founding clubs would split more than $4 billion as part of its formation, and financing is being led by JPMorgan Chase.
Can they really do it? The superclub group has already called in lawyers to fend off legal threats. The president of European soccer responded by calling the teams’ leaders “snakes and liars.”
The European Super League illustrates the money issues that many believe continue to threaten soccer as a sport. Unlike sports leagues like the NBA, which operate with salary caps, clubs at the top of leagues like the EPL or La Liga have been allowed to spend with impunity. This means they can solidify a position at the top of the game and rule over smaller clubs with an iron fist. Clubs at the lower end of big leagues can’t compete.
Neither can top clubs in smaller European leagues in Holland, Scotland, Switzerland or Portugal challenge for continental trophies. The evolution of football over the last 20 years has made it difficult for former giants of the sport like Ajax of Amsterdam or Celtic of Glasgow to compete.
For perspective, each founding member of this club is expected to take home $400 million for taking part in this league. That’s roughly four times what a team would receive for winning the Champions League, currently the most prestigious tournament in world club soccer.
For many, including former player and current broadcaster Gary Neville, the whole thing feels anti-competitive. Unlike most other soccer leagues, the founding clubs of the European Super League will not face the threat of relegation if they sit at the bottom of the table.
Reaction to the announcement of the European Super League has been almost universally negative. The hashtag #RIPfootball is beginning to trend on Twitter as is the phrase #disgusting and #embarrassing. People are angry about this.
scote1379 Premium Member about 3 years ago
Says it all don’t it !
admiree2 about 3 years ago
So, ESL is the runt of the soccer league litter or are the other two starving it out of existence?
hawgowar about 3 years ago
Right over my head. I’ve never paid any attention to soccer in the US, let alone in Europe or elsewhere. All I know for sure is that professional athletes in almost all sports are way overpaid.
admiree2 about 3 years ago
Found this summary:
Here is what we know so far about the plan by 12 of the world’s biggest soccer clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Juventus, to compete against one another while claiming even more riches for themselves.
The announcement calls into question the Champions League and the domestic competitions that have anchored the sport for more than a century. Big money is at stake: The Super League’s founding clubs would split more than $4 billion as part of its formation, and financing is being led by JPMorgan Chase.
Can they really do it? The superclub group has already called in lawyers to fend off legal threats. The president of European soccer responded by calling the teams’ leaders “snakes and liars.”
briangj2 about 3 years ago
It’s all about the money.
The European Super League illustrates the money issues that many believe continue to threaten soccer as a sport. Unlike sports leagues like the NBA, which operate with salary caps, clubs at the top of leagues like the EPL or La Liga have been allowed to spend with impunity. This means they can solidify a position at the top of the game and rule over smaller clubs with an iron fist. Clubs at the lower end of big leagues can’t compete.
Neither can top clubs in smaller European leagues in Holland, Scotland, Switzerland or Portugal challenge for continental trophies. The evolution of football over the last 20 years has made it difficult for former giants of the sport like Ajax of Amsterdam or Celtic of Glasgow to compete.
For perspective, each founding member of this club is expected to take home $400 million for taking part in this league. That’s roughly four times what a team would receive for winning the Champions League, currently the most prestigious tournament in world club soccer.
For many, including former player and current broadcaster Gary Neville, the whole thing feels anti-competitive. Unlike most other soccer leagues, the founding clubs of the European Super League will not face the threat of relegation if they sit at the bottom of the table.
Reaction to the announcement of the European Super League has been almost universally negative. The hashtag #RIPfootball is beginning to trend on Twitter as is the phrase #disgusting and #embarrassing. People are angry about this.
https://www.cnet.com/news/european-super-league-what-is-it-how-will-it-work-and-why-is-everyone-so-mad/
Radish the wordsmith about 3 years ago
British royalty preferred to called it soccer rather than foot ball.