Why the European Super League is a cancer to football

The bad news is back for football fans. The concept of the European Super League (ESL) is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

The news broke on Sunday afternoon soon after the game between Manchester United and Burnley concluded at Old Trafford. According to recent reports, 12 clubs across Europe have agreed to participate in the midweek league.

The fans have already made their mind up about the European Super League. Most of the fanbases are against the idea even if gives their respective clubs an advantage over others, financially.

At the same time, UEFA and the Premier League hierarchy have also made their stance known and clear.

The English Premier League stated that the participating clubs will be banned from the league and the players will not be allowed to represent their national teams. However, the clubs are yet to respond to these claims.

What is the European Super League?

The league is a result of capitalism and globalization. The money is turning the planned project into a reality.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, are among the 12 clubs that are getting a direct pass into the tournament.

AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, are the others outfits from the Seria A and La Liga that will be competing in the tournament.

These 12 clubs have also been identified as the “Founding Clubs” by the association. Though the idea looks cool and is in the same lines as Champions League, 15 out of 20 teams will be provided a direct entry without any mandatory qualifications.

The other five teams will be selected based on their previous records in the domestic circuit.

Why is the European Super League a cancer to football?

There is one popular saying amongst the fanbase regarding the game; “Created by the Poor, Stolen by the Rich”, which fits perfectly into the current situation.

For example, Manchester United was found by the workers in the 19th century but then were later bought by the Glazers.

It’s the same for Liverpool. They are one of the teams that have a strong history as well as a great fanbase. Joining the European Super League will create hyperinflation and the money will dominate the game.

According to reports, the clubs signing up for the league will receive £310 million. Added to this, they will receive the money to upgrade their respective infrastructures. Once the money is in, cash is the king, the fans’ voices will go unheard.

How different is the UEFA Champions League?

All English Premier League

The UEFA Champions League is an altogether different spectacle to watch and enjoy. The teams fighting for the top-four spots is one of the best things to witness in the Premier League.

West Ham United are one of the clubs that might potentially feature in the Santiago Bernabeu or Camp Nou if they end up in the top four.

But, if the new league comes in, it will provide the top teams a permanent place in another competition, which will lead to nothing but complacency.

Arsenal are finding it difficult to finish in the top four/six but will get a chance to play against Real Madrid and Barcelona despite not having the required credentials to feature. How ridiculous is this!

Excessive money will in return kill the underdog stories we’ve come to love. Leicester City fought all the odds and became the champions of English football in 2015/16. They also went on to play in the UCL knockouts in the subsequent season.

The permanent place for the likes of the traditional top-six will kill the chances of these teams to feature in the elite competition.

The conclusion!

Broadcasters are also set to face the wrath of the ESL. The profit margins are set to go down as the broadcasters will not have a huge fanbase watching games, which doesn’t consist of the traditional top six.

In the absence of traditional top six, the broadcaster rights will be sold for a cheaper price. Will, someone watch Fulham vs Leicester City if they are an ardent fan of a traditional top six (Unless their team benefits from the results)? The answer is a plain and simple, NO!

The ESL will become less competitive and the fans will eventually not watch it anymore. The evidence is in front of our very own eyes already.

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The broadcaster deals associated with Ligue One and Serie A are too small compared to the Premier League and La Liga. If these clubs feature in the ESL, nobody will watch the English Premier League anymore.

Personally, I have a lot of respect for the likes of Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who haven’t joined the league and look as if they will never.

Bayern Munich’s 51%  shares are owned by the fans and are less likely to join the cash-rich league. Whereas Paris St Germain are against the idea of this altogether.

Now, it is all down to Florentino Perez’s negotiation skills to include these clubs in the competition.

The fans were known as kings of the game. However, kings can be dethroned. Money is the king now and will always be. It is the right time to fight back for the game we love and keep the spirit of football alive.

Which team will you supporting if your team is set to banned from their respective leagues? Or do you like the concept of the European Super League? Have your say below