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The pros and cons of the European Super League

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The pros and cons of the European Super League

Despite only being announced a few days ago, the proposed European Super League has hit almost every news channel throughout Europe and even the world. The new football competition offered for the 2023/24 season will see 20 of Europe’s finest football teams compete in a league where fans can watch the most talented players go head-to-head every week. However, the plans have already been met furiously by almost everybody who loves the beautiful game. We’ve decided to have a quick look at the pros and cons of the European Super League. 

What is the proposed European Super League?

The idea of a new league for the best football teams in Europe has been discussed for decades. However, the new plan for the European Super League was announced on Sunday, 18th April 2021. The proposed league will consist of 20 of the biggest and most successful football teams in Europe. At this point, 15 clubs have agreed to join the new structure as founders, including six teams competing in the English Premier League. These are Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan, Juventus, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The remaining 5 places will be taken by clubs that opt to attempt qualification via a route that is yet to be specified.

Cons of the European Super League

“Act of pure greed” – the new league will see clubs earn money like never before and has been described as an “act of pure greed” by footballing legend Gary Neville. The teams who participate will have financial security, but those who are not involved will miss out on huge income generated by their respective country’s football pyramid. 

Floored system – Some of Europe’s powerhouses have declined the opportunity to join the league, including German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Therefore, the league won’t consist of the best teams in Europe – just some of them. And sorry if we offend anyone – but Tottenham? Why on earth would Spurs be considered as one of the top 20 teams in Europe when they haven’t won a major trophy in an eternity? What about Leicester – were they not approached to join the league? What about Nottingham Forest – back-to-back European Cup winners (1978–79 and 1979–80)?

Unethically planned – What gives the clubs involved the right to opt-out of the English football pyramid and join a league that only they’ll be able to benefit from? It seems like a very unethical thing to do.

No relegation – Accordingly to Pep Guardiola, the league wouldn’t be “sport” because there will be no consequences if a club wins or loses. With nothing to worry about (for example, relegation), why would any fan be interested in the new system? We agree with Pep.

The Champions League is always a gripping watch – What is wrong with the Champions League as it is? It always produces terrific contests between the biggest clubs in Europe, and it never disappoints. Most importantly, it gives teams something to aim for, and it makes dreams come true!

Do you remember when APOEL Nicosia performed better than anyone would have ever imagined and faced Real Madrid in the quarter-finals (2011/12)? This is the reason we watch football – to see smaller clubs fight for unimaginable success against the big boys! And who can forget Leicester winning both the Premier League and facing Europe’s elite in the Champions League? 

It sets a vile precedent – If the European Super League goes ahead, the richest clubs in the world will have gotten what they want. They will have acted in their own self-interest and made decisions that aren’t theirs to make – all while keeping the honest clubs with integrity in the dark. If they get away with this now – what on earth will they try and get away with in the future? There is a way of going about change, and this certainly shouldn’t be it.

Those who will genuinely benefit aren’t football people – Let’s face it, most of the owners of the top clubs in Europe have purchased football clubs as a hobby, or perhaps simply as a money earner (a business venture, if you will). Most of them probably couldn’t care less about football. A majority didn’t grow up around football, and they’re the ones who will pocket unimaginable amounts of money, while football fans will be the ones who miss out.

Florentino Perez, president at Real Madrid, has said that “young people are no longer interested in football”. As someone who considers themselves “young” (perhaps slightly inaccurately, and more optimistically), football is literally all I talk about with my friends and often family. It’s all people talk about. It’s a passion, and it’s going nowhere. Mr. President is wrong in my opinion!

Football should be for the working class – Following football is supposed to be an affordable hobby where locals can express their love and support for their team. The European Super League will destroy this legacy. Who can afford to travel around Europe every week to watch their team play around the continent? Oh yes – the rich! What a shame. 

Lack of funds passed down the chain – If the European Super League went ahead, surely it’d result in less money being passed down the football leagues. As a result, several teams with remarkable history could face bankruptcy. It’s no secret that during the coronavirus pandemic, payments made by Premier League clubs have helped keep lower-league clubs afloat. This support mechanism is what football should be all about.

Pros of the European Super League

20 clubs will have financial security – If you’re a fan of one of the teams involved, your team will generate a ton of money, so you don’t have to worry about them going out of business (like the poor fans of “smaller” clubs). Billions of pounds will be pumped into the league and available to those who participate.

We genuinely cannot think of any more pros of the European Super League. If you can help us out, please leave a comment below, and if we agree with your thoughts, we’ll update this article accordingly. 

Big news regarding the European Super League on the evening of Tuesday 20th April

Develops came to light on the evening of Tuesday 20th April that we thought we should summarise with Tweets from a few sources. Here is just some of what’s been going on!

 

 

 

 

 

How the footballing world reacted to news of the European Super League

There has been outrage – as you can imagine. So, rather than write a load of quotes from people, we thought it’d be best to show you how the footballing world has reacted. Here are some of our favourite tweets! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This concludes our summary of the pros and cons of the European Super League! We’ve love to hear your thoughts. Please share them with us in the comments below and we’ll publish the best ones.

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