Swift disintegration of European Super League leaves it looking like nothing more than an elaborate power play that backfired spectacularly April 20, 2021 We were told by the clubs – the so-called “dirty dozen” – that the European Super League was a done deal. That it was definitely happening. That it was more than just another power play. The fact that it took less than 48 hours from that announcement for Chelsea to back out, and other dominoes [...]
Why the European Super League can prove to be a winner for all stakeholders and future-proof the game April 20, 2021 The proposed European Super League (ESL) represents the biggest shake-up of football since the creation of the Premier League and Champions League. As with any significant change, the plan has received its share of critics, many of whom suggest that it represents a money grab by the most powerful clubs. However, far from weakening football, [...]
Furious UEFA warns clubs: Join European Super League and we will ban you and your players April 20, 2021 UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned the football body is working to ban breakaway European Super League clubs and their players from its competitions “as soon as possible” and urged domestic leagues to follow suit. Twelve clubs, including the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’, are part of plans which would fundamentally alter the shape of [...]
European Super League: How much do clubs stand to earn? Where is the money coming from? And will the rest of football be worse off? April 19, 2021 The driving force behind plans for a new European Super League is money – specifically, the chance to make more of it. But exactly how much money do the six English clubs involved – Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – and the other six known founder teams – Real Madrid, [...]
The legal issues around a European Super League: Can clubs really be banned from domestic leagues and players barred from World Cups? April 19, 2021 The battle lines over a European Super League may have been drawn but a legal fight that could last for years is only just beginning. Football authorities including the Premier League and Uefa have warned the rebel clubs they will be kicked out of existing domestic and European competitions if they push ahead. Players, too, [...]
Manchester United and Juventus shares rise on European Super League announcement April 19, 2021 Shares in Manchester United (MANU) and Juventus (JUVE) rose on Monday following the announcement of plans for a European Super League. Both clubs were confirmed on Sunday night as one of 12 founder members of the breakaway competition, which could replace the Champions League as soon as next year. Shares in United were up more [...]
European Super League: Who is in it? How will it work? Why is it happening? And can it be stopped? April 19, 2021 Twelve clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and six English teams, have confirmed they are planning to launch a breakaway European Super League. If it goes ahead, the move would represent the most significant change to club football in living memory. But what will the new competition look like? Which teams will be involved? And [...]
Laura McAllister interview: Former Wales captain and Fifa Council candidate on women’s football, greedy clubs and moderniser Infantino April 16, 2021 Wales have come to be a force to be reckoned with in international football. Their men’s team, led by galactico Gareth Bale, have qualified for successive European Championships for the first time, while their women have also continued their steady rise up Fifa’s world rankings. Now Welshwoman Laura McAllister is aiming to make a similar [...]
Week in Sportbiz: Amazon sign Serena Williams and Paul Pogba; Javier Tebas takes up league fight; Japan still cool on Tokyo 2020 with 100 days to go April 15, 2021 Amazon has continued its push into glossy sports documentaries by signing up Serena Williams and Paul Pogba. Both Williams and Pogba have committed to appearing in behind-the-scenes series about their personal and professional lives as part of wider deals with Amazon. Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Films is among the producers of the currently untitled Serena doc. [...]
Liverpool v Real Madrid: History may be on Jurgen Klopp’s side, but more recent form does not bode well for another famous Anfield comeback April 14, 2021 It’s Liverpool v Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening, so get ready for lots of talk about famous European nights at Anfield. Not for the first time, the Reds need something approaching a miracle to overturn a first-leg defeat and progress to the next round. On this occasion, Liverpool must win by at [...]