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Super League more likely?

Matthew Seyd argues in The Times yesterday that Stan Kroenke securing complete control of Arsenal is another step towards a European Super League. In 2005, there were no American owners in the Premier League. Now Americans fully or partially own seven clubs.

American sports franchise owners are used to competitions where there is no relegation, offering protection for their investments. They are also able to impose wage caps, enabling them to take a bigger share of revenues.

The idea of a European Super League has been around for a long time, but so far has come to nothing. However, it has been reported that last year representatives of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal met to discuss it. The threat of a breakaway was used by top clubs to leverage a bigger share of overseas television rights this year.

As it is, the Glazers have done well out of their purchase of Manchester United. They have turned their debt financed purchase into a paper profit of around £2.4 billion, with the club currently valued by Forbes at £1.8 billion.

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