HERE we go again.
Another plan for a European Super League.
Same as all the other ones. Doomed to go nowhere.
Except, perhaps, this time it REALLY is serious.
The suggestion of a £4.6billion financing package and income of hundreds of millions per club would make even the most cynical observer raise an eyebrow.
Factor in the reality that Europe’s biggest clubs are almost unanimous in their desire to open the financial floodgates in the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis, and the appeal becomes all the greater.
But when you also realise that a new competition would be the ultimate weapon in the bitter war between Fifa and Uefa, it is no wonder that significant sources believe there is a ’50-50′ chance of the idea becoming reality.
Of course, it might all be an elaborate bluff.
Europe’s football giants know that there is nothing that will make Uefa listen to their complaints more than the prospect of the Champions League becoming a worthless bauble, battled over by the second tier clubs.
Threatening to leave and set up their own competition as soon as 2022 is a power-game move.
Man Utd chief Woodward could help make a European Super League a reality this timeCredit: AFP or licensors
It suits the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to let everyone know they mean it.
Even if they don’t, the fear of it being true will bring Uefa to the table, ready, as they always do, to offer compromises to hold European football together.
And, of course, if they do, if it is for real and if it has the blessing of Fifa boss Gianni Infantino – who has already talked about the concept of a global league as well as his new World Club Cup – we could be on the brink of the most momentous decision in the history of the game.
What is clear is that, just like with Project Big Picture, the big boys are no longer content to play the long game.
They want change. Now. And it has to be change they like.
Or they WILL look to go it alone.
Bruno Fernandes is honoured to be made captain of Man Utd for Champions League match
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
