Is it just me thinking that looks better than what we have now? (Leeds aside). Look at the diversity. Football in this country is bigger than those six clubs.
I don't think they would, or could. They'd struggle to find the financial backing and I think they would gain more out of being seen as traditionalists.
Agree - only a small number of teams can be in the battle for the top of the prem every season, but the threat of relegation provides the thrill for everyone else, the drama of securing safety on the last day of the season. The big 6 fans will miss out of that, so the Premier League should help them out a bit by docking 30 points at the start of every season. Get relegated into the Championship? Same again - threat of ending up in League 1. Even better, there needs to be some balance. If these clubs can never get relegated from the ESL, let's create balance by saying they can never be promoted in domestic leagues. End up in the Championship? You'll never play in the prem ever again. etc.
So much to add to all of this, should be a fascinating week ahead! Like most, I hope the authorities burn these clubs. Let them go and do what they will, but sever all links with no prospect of return. What's left will in time be infinitely more appealing to actual football supporters than the Super League. The FA, PL, EFL, UEFA and FIFA responses will be crucial here. Needs to be strong and swift. Expunge them all from the leagues with immediate effect I say, even if it results in the top flight season having to be declared null and void. For the FA, an immediate statement that no player contracted to those clubs will be considered for England would be a good start. I suspect most will follow the pay packet, but I imagine it'd bring a few players out against the proposal. Who will be the first representatives of those clubs to oppose the idea? Could we see one or more of the managers resign, being just about the only ones who can just walk away? Would be a statement. With a bit of thought, this could be the 'reset' that football needs. If the relevant authorities could get their act together and market next season as bringing football back to the fans, they can take a huge slice of the pie in terms of interest and competition. Not the money in the short term, but it'll rebalance again eventually when the 'big clubs' realise they've left for something no real football fan will watch. Put it all on the table. Salary caps, ticket prices, supporter representation on boards, safe standing, VAR and the offside rule, kick off times - the lot. Build the competitions for next season around what the fans want, and see how much additional interest the league generates next year. And then watch while Harry Kane runs down his Tottenham contract to sign for league champions Burnley in a couple of years, just so he can play for England again (OK maybe that's a bit far fetched). We can but hope.
I've just caught up a bit more after seeing that statement last night, looks like the government are totally against it also, Boris saying this morning they'll do anything in their power to stop this happening. Let's hope they can deliver on it. I'd sod the lot of them though like many have said on here, kick them out the league and don't allow access to any domestic tournaments in their countries or the CL. Surely players would think twice about potentially losing their chance to represent their countries?
I haven't read all the posts but unless someone else has mentioned it, how would these clubs have a transfer policy if they are excommunicated from all national and european leagues? As players age, get injured, retire, who would replace them? Man Utd. "We like the look of that Styles and Dike at Barnsley..... " "Fook off and grow your own players"
The fact is these 6 greedy clubs have broken PL rules. Therefore fines, points deductions and expulsion must all be implemented. Letter of the law and all that.
How long are the smug, cocky clubs like Spurs going to get in their little bubble of wealth before the big six of the new league start threatening to bin them off to be replaced by franchise teams from China, USA etc?
Thought it was wise from Starmer to come out last night and condemn the plan early. But realistically, what power does the government actually have? This is an industry issue where the clubs in question aren't pulling out of their respective leagues, just forming a new European competition. Politicians can condemn it, but 'anything in their power' feels like an empty gesture as there isn't much power there. Hoping someone can correct me on that one.
If leagues don't recognise the ESL and players are under contract then ultimately the leagues can block transfers. Transfers can only be completed via FIFA approved practices and clubs. ESL clubs would have to buy out players contracts. Players at ESL clubs their contracts could become null and void.
October 2021 we're playing.... Leeds H Norwich A Leicester H Burnley A C.Palace H Is that better than playing Sheff Utd, Derby, Blackburn, Cardiff and Forest? Not in my opinión.
The contracts must be in adherence with FIFA / UEFA laws including employment laws. Players contracts are connected to pensions / injury benefits etc linked to leagues and the relevant bodies. I'll be interested to hear from PFA on this. Players would have to TUPE onto new contracts. What benefit packages etc would the ESL provide? Its no different to any other business. Then there's the issue of things like image rights, tax payments. If this league is registered offshore get ready for another poo storm!
Sounds brilliant in theory, though it may be very tricky to implement. Would there be forced sales of shares, and if so, to whom? I don't have any in depth knowledge as to how the German model works, would appreciate it if someone in the know could enlighten me.