European Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer slams European Super League plans led by Man Utd owning Glazer family which takes away ‘fear of failure’

      by

      OLE SOLSKJAER has hit out at the botched plan for a European Super League being driven by his own boss Joel Glazer.The Manchester United manager only became aware of it on the day it was announced last Sunday and has since had to confront an angry group of protesters at the club’s training ground.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left bemused by the Super League plansCredit: EPA
      Now he has criticised the unfair make up of the competition which would have taken away that ‘fear of failure’.
      Solskjaer said: “I didn’t like the concept, it has to be on sporting merit, I want to earn the right to play in Europe.
      “We know we’ve been pioneers and we’ve been in Europe for many, many years, with the Busby Babes, we want to be part of a successful European campaign again. One of my best nights was something we worked really hard towards.
      “You can’t be given it because your name is such and such, you have to earn the right to be there.
      “And I’ve always felt and believed in stepping out of your comfort zone, being afraid of failure, that spurs you on, living on the edge a little bit, and that wasn’t part of this.
      “My players last season were excellent, when I talk about this fear of failure, they were afraid of not making Champions League because we were so many points behind.
      “They pulled themselves together as a team, achieved third, a very good achievement, this year striving towards trophies, and we’re second.
      “I back my team to be in the top in Europe. But I still think that fear of failure is helping us do that and being a sporting competitor as I am and my nature is not being handed this, we can’t be handed a place, that’s my opinion.

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      Solskjaer was appointed, initially temporarily, by the Glazers in December 2018Credit: Reuters
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “I’m very happy all of the clubs have admitted their mistake, this was a bad idea, and the way it came out as well.”
      United co-chairman Joel Glazer along with the chiefs at Manchester City, Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal and Chelsea, instead wanted a close shop that guaranteed them European riches each year.
      They were part of a ‘Dirty Dozen’ of clubs in Europe who wanted to breakaway but their move has provoked outrage and Solskjaer believes has actually united fans.
      Although he admits it will have put a dampener on their return for the final two games of the season.
      He said: “I’m very happy the fans have voiced their opinion and that we’ve listened to them, in a strange sort of way it’s brought the football pyramid and community together and I think that’s important, and I’m very happy.
      “Just when we’re talking about getting fans back into the stadium, we get this, we were looking forward to getting fans back in the stadiums for the last two games of the season and then weren’t able to look forward to it.
      “We have a banner at Old Trafford that says football is nothing without fans and we’ve felt that for a year.
      “It’s been a difficult year but now just when we’re going welcome them back we get this.”

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Fuming Man Utd fans block stars from entering training ground in Glazers Out protest More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What is the 50+1 rule and will it be introduced in the Premier League? German football ownership system explained?

      by

      THE UK Government has ordered a fan-led, root and branch review of football governance following the European Super League debacle.And one proposal that could be looked at in the wake of the failed scheme is the German 50+1 fan ownership system.
      Bayern Munich and the majority of German clubs are subject to the 50+1 ruleCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Here, SunSport takes a look at how it works and whether it could be introduced in England.
      What is 50+1?
      The 50+1 rule means that every club that wants to compete in the German Football League must be 50 per cent owned by the fans, with the fans having the casting vote on all initiatives.
      Football clubs are not allowed to play in the Bundesliga if a private company or individual has more than a 50 per cent stake.
      German clubs were historically non-for-profit members organisations with private ownership of any kind prohibited, but in 1998 50+1 was introduced as a way for clubs to secure some private funding.
      The Bundesliga claims this rule is responsible for keeping wages and debts at its club under control and ticket prices low.
      Bundesliga attendances are among the highest in Europe, with Borussia Dortmund recording the largest average attendance on the continent in 2016-17 and Bayern Munich the third largest.

      Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said of the system: “The German spectator traditionally has close ties with his club.
      “And if he gets the feeling that he’s no longer regarded as a fan but instead as a customer, we’ll have a problem.
      “The 50+1 rule does significantly more good than harm in Germany.
      “Most clubs won’t get a Roman Abramovich, who in the first place wants to see Chelsea winning.
      “Most of the investors want to earn money. And where do they get it from? The spectators.”

      Are all German clubs fan-owned?
      Though the 50+1 rule is a rigid one, there are a small number of exceptions.
      Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen, who were formed by Volkswagen and Bayer pharmaceuticals respectively, are not subject to 50+1.
      Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hoff is also allowed to own his club outright after investing consistently in it for over 20 years, but he is greeted with hostility by supporters of the other Bundesliga clubs.
      A similar bid by Martin Kind to take full control of Hannover, however, was defeated due to fan opposition.
      Most controversial though, has been RB Leipzig, who found a way to comply with the letter of the law but not the spirit.
      In 2009, Red Bull purchased fifth tier SSV Markranstadt who, as a non-league club, did not have to follow 50+1.
      Once they were promoted to the league system, Leipzig allowed just 17 people to join the club as members, most of whom were employees or associates of Red Bull.
      Supporters can only join as non-voting members and even that membership is priced at a prohibitive one thousand euros per year.

      Will 50+1 be introduced in England?
      Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed that the government is looking at 50+1 as a model for English football.
      He told talkSPORT: “Naturally we’ve got to learn the lessons from the crisis in football financing during the Covid crisis.
      “We need to put this on a more sustainable footing.
      “For example in the German leagues they have a different governance structure so it’s right we look at those things.
      “The PM was good, I had a meeting with him and fans on Tuesday and he said we had to do whatever it took and that includes legislation and if legislation is required we’ll do that.
      “But the immediate legislation we were preparing to pull together was to deal with this immediate threat from this outrageous [Super League] proposal.”
      Oliver Dowden has said the government will look at introducing the German systemCredit: Alamy
      And Boris Johnson has stated that a ‘root-and-branch investigation’ will be overseen by former sports minister Tracey Crouch to review English football’s governance and to ‘promote the role of fans in that governance’.
      It is not known how and whether the government would be able to strip Premier League owners of 50 per cent shares of their clubs if the initiative were to be brought in, however.
      And decision on football club ownership in England is likely to depend on the findings of Tracey Crouch’s review. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ramp up security at training ground after fans break in to protest against Glazers… and even Ole gets stopped

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have beefed up their security at Carrington after fans broke into the training complex yesterday – and even boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to prove who he was.As the players arrived for drills today, two security guards greeted them at the entrance.
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was stopped as he drove into trainingCredit: Zenpix
      The security guards made Ole take off his sunglasses to prove who he wasCredit: Zenpix
      United were determined not to see a repeat of Thursday when fans stormed the training groundCredit: Zenpix
      On Thursday fuming United fans made it onto the pitches to protest against the GlazersCredit: Twitter @RedIssue
      Even United gaffer Solskjaer was stopped by two burly high-vis-wearing men.
      He appeared to be asked to remove his sunglasses to prove he really was the Red Devils leader.
      Around 20 supporters stormed Carrington on Thursday to voice their anger at the club’s owners and their attempt to join the breakaway European Super League.
      The group made it on to the first-team pitch and refused to leave until manager Solskjaer came and spoke to them.
      Technical director Darren Fletcher gave the thumbs-up as he was allowed to drive on in a day after the disturbance, while club captain Harry Maguire looked in a pensive mood behind the wheel.
      The supporters who breached the security to get into the AON training complex on Thursday were part of the Manchester Education Committee – the same group that confronted Wayne Rooney in 2010 and targeted Ed Woodward’s home in January last year.
      Police were called but stood off when boss Solskjaer – supported by Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Matic – met with the fans.
      Asked how he could trust United co-chairman Joel Glazer again after his leading role in the ESL plans, Solskjaer insisted ‘Joel loves this club’.
      The claim was met with derision with a number of protestors firing back saying ‘he doesn’t love this club he loves the money’.
      Technical director Darren Fletcher gets the thumbs up to continue on inCredit: Zenpix
      Harry Maguire looked pensive as he made his way into trainingCredit: Zenpix
      Bruno Fernandes was in a concentrating mood as he saddled up to CarringtonCredit: Zenpix

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      Pictures of the protest were posted on United fanzine Red Issue which wrote: “Utd fans protesting against the Glazers have blocked both entrances to Carrington.”
      The men bypassed security and made their way to the first team training pitch where they unveiled two banners which read ‘Glazers out’ aimed at club owners the Glazer family. 
      A second read: “51 % MUFC 20” which refers to the German-style ownership of clubs which gives fans a stake in their club. 
      The protest came just 24 hours after United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward announced he was leaving his position at the end of the season. 
      David De Gea drives past the increased security presence at CarringtonCredit: Zenpix
      United were determined not to let a repeat of Thursday’s protests happen againCredit: Twitter @RedIssue

      And on Wednesday, United co-chairman Joel Glazer apologised to fans for United’s part as a founding member of the attempted breakaway league, which was universally hated by fans from all clubs. 
      He wrote: You made very clear your opposition to the European Super League, and we have listened. We got it wrong, and we want to show that we can put things right.
      “Although the wounds are raw and I understand that it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.”
      The Mirror is reporting that the anti-Glazer movement plot to make another stand a week on Sunday when United host fellow ESL rebels Liverpool at Old Trafford.
      Thousands of fans will march from Manchester city centre to the stadium and make their voices heard beside the statues of Sir Matt Busby, Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.
      The report adds a joint-protest alongside Liverpool supporters – usually fierce rivals – has been canned now that both teams announced their withdrawal from the ESL.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      United will have been hoping two security guards would be enoughCredit: Zenpix
      Striker Edinson Cavani seemed relaxed as he drove inCredit: Zenpix
      Juan Mata gives the camera a waveCredit: Zenpix
      Inter Miami boss Phil Neville hails Man Utd legend brother Gary for standing up to greed of European Super League More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona moan about ‘financial stability’ in failed Euro Super League… despite £937m transfer spend in past 5 seasons

      by

      BARCELONA have released a bizarre statement saying they joined the European Super for ‘financial sustainability’ – despite spending almost £1BILLION on transfers in the last five seasons.The world of football was left stunned when 12 European clubs signed up for the doomed competition.

      But 48 hours later it was in tatters.
      The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ of the two Manchester clubs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool pulled out first.
      The owners of all six then released statements apologising for their actions.
      AC Milan, Inter, Juventus and Atletico Madrid followed suit with just ringleaders Real Madrid and Barca left.
      The Super League shambles was condemned globally with fans joined by football execs and even politicians such as Boris Johnson and royalty in Prince William.
      Barcelona have since published a statement attempting to explain why they signed up in the first place.
      They state that ‘there is a need for structural reforms to guarantee the financial sustainability and feasibility of world football’.
      Spanish football finances have been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, with many players at the top clubs agreeing to salary cuts and giving up bonuses.
      But Barcelona’s whopping £937.22m spend over the course of the last five season was only influenced by themselves.

      Football fans united in anger all around Europe at the European Super League plansCredit: EPA
      Barca paid over £100million for Philippe Coutinho which has not proved value for moneyCredit: Reuters

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      In the 2017/18 season the Catalans paid out £121.5m to Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund for Phillipe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele respectively.
      And it’s well-documented how those transfers have failed to work out.
      Barca parted with £108m for Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid in the hope that they had finally found Neymar’s replacement. They are still looking.
      They go on to add that ‘it would have been a historical error to turn down the opportunity to be part of this project as one of its founding members’.
      Bizarrely there are numerous references to how it would ‘benefit’ fans – despite the uproar the project created with supporters around Europe.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      The statement continues: “Barcelona shall act at all times with due prudence and asks for the utmost understanding, respect and most of all patience among FC Barcelona supporters and public opinion in general.”
      The tone of the statement seems to suggest that for Barcelona, the creation of a European Super League is not a dead duck.
      And their LaLiga compatriots Real Madrid and controversial chairman Florentino Perez are refusing to go quietly – as the defector clubs gear up for what could prove a costly legal battle.
      SunSport has exclusively revealed that plans are in place for Celtic and Rangers to join an 18-team British top-flight after the European Super League crumbled.
      And unlike the Super League shambles which was condemned globally, it’s likely an enlarged Premier League including the Old Firm would be BACKED by Fifa, Uefa and the UK Government.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Real Madrid chief Perez insists European Super League still alive More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa hail Boris Johnson for helping save European football by leading ‘revolution’ against European Super League

      by

      UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has hailed PM Boris Johnson for helping save European football by leading the national ‘revolution’.Johnson’s dramatic intervention and promises to bring in laws to block the Super League breakaway cut off the legs of the ‘dirty dozen’ plotters.
      Aleksander Ceferin has praised the British governmentCredit: EPA
      Boris Johnson was dead against the Super LeagueCredit: AFP
      And now Ceferin has spoken of the debt Uefa owes to the PM and the British government.
      Ceferin said: “Boris Johnson is aware that football fans are from the working class.
      “They live hard, and they spend the last money to watch football matches, which is their passion, relaxation, which is part of European culture, part of history. 
      “It seemed to me the reaction was very logical – he cared what happened to football, because that would affect the people, of course.”
      Ceferin added: “In England there are so many fans and they love their club immensely.
      “If the fans get angry, it is a kind of revolution. 
      “And no country can afford that. 
      “I find it very responsible from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to take a sharp stand on the side of the fans, not only because of the culture and love of football, but also because it ensures order in the country.
      “We were in contact and I also spoke to his cabinet. They responded excellently.

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “I must say I was impressed by their effectiveness. 
      “They immediately said they were available to us for anything to release a very sharp statement.
      “And that reaction from the British government helped us all a lot.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin attacks Big Six English clubs for wanting to join European Super League More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Football faces major shake-up of ownership and finances with fans more involved amid Government review

      by

      FOOTBALL bosses could be ORDERED to rip up their rulebook after the Government announced the launch of its “fan-led review” of the game.In a huge move which comes off the back of PM Boris Johnson’s intervention into the shambolic Super League breakaway threat, the entire structure of the English game is under scrutiny.
      Boris Johnson and the Government have launched its ‘fan-led review’ of the gameCredit: AFP
      That could see:

      Ownership rules questioned and changed, even looking at the legitimacy of foreign billionaires taking over Prem clubs — and deciding if English football should seek to copy the German system.
       New financial rules drafted to prevent the issues that led to the collapse of Bury.
       Enforced alterations to the flow of money through the entire football pyramid, from the Prem to the grass-roots game.
       Fans given a proper say in the way the game is run.
      A Government- appointed independent regulator, with power to bring the FA, Prem and EFL to account.

      Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch will head the review, which will start in the coming days and is expected to take “months” to draw its conclusions.
      And there is a growing expectation there will be major changes demanded.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      MORE ON SUPER LEAGUE OUTRAGE

      That will include scrutiny of the Prem’s controversial “owners’ and directors’ test”.
      But Crouch and her colleagues will also investigate whether English clubs should be forced to come closer to the German model which gives fans a majority of shares in most top sides.
      Crouch said: “My review will be firmly focused on the fans.
      “It will look closely at the issues of governance, ownership and finance and take the necessary steps to retain the game’s integrity, competitiveness and, most importantly, the bond that clubs have with  supporters and the local community.”
      There are also likely to be steps required to protect clubs’ traditions, geography and even their badges, plus an investigation into whether the entire pyramid remains fit for purpose.

      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Football begins and ends with fans and we have seen that passionately displayed this week. It must be a watershed moment in our  national game.”
      Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin hailed the PM for helping save European football.
      He said: “Boris Johnson cared what happened to football, because that would affect the people.
      “If the fans get angry, it is a kind of revolution. And no country can afford that.
      “I find it very responsible from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to take a sharp stand on the side of the fans, not only because of the culture and love of football but also because it ensures order in the country.
      “The reaction from the British government helped us all a lot.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Real Madrid chief Perez insists European Super League still alive More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      What is a British Super League, will Rangers and Celtic join, how many clubs will it have and how will it work?

      by

      THE European Super League is out but the British Super League may well be in.SunSport can exclusively reveal that the Premier League is still working towards reforming its structure despite the European Super League being shot down in flames.
      Scottish champions Rangers could soon join a British Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Old Firm could fight it out in front of a huge global TV audienceCredit: PA
      And top of the list of plans being actively discussed is a British Super League, which would see Rangers and Celtic invited.
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives you all the lowdown on whether the competition will come into fruition and how it would work.
      How would the British Super League work? Who will join and who will go?
      While the details are yet to emerge, the plan would see an invitation to Rangers and Celtic to leave the SPFL and join the Premier League.
      Some of the proposers would accept a short-term extension of the Premier League as it is now, while others are already pushing for 18 clubs in the top flight.
      But with 14 clubs needed to approve, including those in danger of relegation, there would be rucks – and turkeys don’t vote for Christmas.
      How a British Super League could work

      Would the British Super League have a US-style play-off system, and how would it work?
      An end-of-season play-off is one of the systems being discussed to increase interest in the competition.
      It would be very easy to put into place, with a two-legged semi-final with first against fourth and playing the second leg at home, followed by a probable one-off Grand final.
      What would happen to promotion from the Championship when changes were made?
      Almost certainly there would be fewer up or more down, maybe over two seasons.
      This is what happened when the Premier League was reduced from 22 teams to 20 in 1995 and Middlesbrough and Bolton replaced relegated Crystal Palace, Norwich, Leicester and Ipswich 

      Would Rangers and Celtic also join the FA Cup/League Cup – or remain in the Scottish cup competitions?
      That would be a decision for the FA and SFA to make – but it is likely that they would play in the Scottish cups if they were allowed.
      Will other Scottish clubs be frozen out of ever entering via promotion? Will they be in favour of move?
      Again, this is far from clear.
      It is suggested the likes of Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs and the Dundee clubs might see a league without the Old Firm as far more winnable.
      But a Super League would only be interested in Rangers and Celtic. And what would happen if one of them got relegated?
      The likes of Aberdeen could be in favour of the move if it gives them more chance of winning Scottish titlesCredit: Getty
      Why will it work this time after failed attempts in past?
      That’s the million dollar question (and we’ve had enough talk about money this week).
      There will be plenty of opposition, which might prove intractable.
      But this time Fifa would approve – if the FA and SFA did – after signalling they backed cross-border leagues only last month.
      In 2019, president Gianni Infantino said: “We need to be open to discussions.
      “The Belgians and the Dutch have been discussing creating a Benelux league and these discussions have been going on for 20 years and we are always saying no, because we are based on national leagues.
      “But maybe it helps? Maybe it is the only way out, maybe in Europe they have to think about this, maybe in Africa.
      “I was proposing something like this for Africa. I think we have the duty to study these things then we will see where it goes.”
      Gianni Infantino has declared that Fifa could be open to cross-border leaguesCredit: AP
      How much money is involved and how would all clubs benefit from this?
      Who knows? But the argument is that a British League, including the Glasgow giants with their worldwide fan bases, would have both a domestic and global appeal to broadcasters and sponsors.
      What is certain is that there would be demands for greater trickle down “solidarity” payments to the lower reaches on both sides of Hadrian’s Wall. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Barcelona profit from comical own-goal as Lionel Messi nets twice vs Getafe in first game since ESL controversy

      by

      BARCELONA profited from a farcical own goal in their first game since the failed European Super League plot.President Joan Laporta insisted the Dirty Dozen’s breakaway competition remains “absolutely necessary” before kick-off on Thursday, as he and Real Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez continue their campaign to screw over LaLiga’s also-rans.

      Getafe scored a comical own goal as they lost 5-2 to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The farcical effort helped Barca to victory in their first game since the ESL falloutCredit: AP
      Yet opponents Getafe were clearly in a forgiving mood as Sofian Chakla produced one of the season’s standout own goals to set Barca on their way to a convincing 5-2 victory
      Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet had already put one in his own net in the opening 15 minutes, cancelling out Lionel Messi’s opener.
      But his blushes were spared when Chakla overcooked his backpass and chased in vain as the ball agonisingly rolled over the goalline, restoring Barca’s lead.
      Messi then scored his second goal five minutes later to make it 3-1.
      Enes Unal’s penalty gave Getafe a flicker of hope in the second half.
      But Ronald Araujo’s bullet header from Messi’s corner made the points safe late on.
      And there was still time for one more as Messi generously passed up a golden chance at yet another hat-trick by allowing Antoine Griezmann to slot home and injury time spot-kick.
      Victory takes Ronald Koeman’s side back into third in LaLiga – five points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, with a game in hand – as we approach the end of a turbulent week for football fans across the continent.
      The Catalans were one of 12 sides to sign up to the European Super League on Sunday.
      But after widespread criticism, all six Premier League clubs pulled out on Tuesday with Atletico and Inter Milan following soon after.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Lionel Messi scored twice at the Nou Camp to help Barca on their way to victoryCredit: Getty

      Despite that, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan still remain.
      And Barca president Laporta has refused to apologise for the mess, insisting a super league is needed and that he hopes fresh talks can get it back on its feet.
      Laporta said: “It is absolutely necessary. We are supporters of the national leagues and we will talk to Uefa.
      “We have a position of prudence. It is a necessity, but the last word in the end will be from the members.
      “The big clubs contribute a lot – we must participate in the economic distribution.
      “It should be an attractive competition based on sporting merits. We are open to dialogue with Uefa, I think there will be an understanding.”
      Araujo seals the points for Barca! 🔵🔴A great leap and a powerful header from the corner, and an important 3 points for Koeman’s side 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RvGjD9oanM— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 22, 2021

      Erling Haaland’s dad and agent land in Barcelona and whisked off to transfer meeting with president Joan Laporta More