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Here comes the ESL again

The idea of a European Super League (ESL) has been around for some time and so far it has remained a pipe dream.  However, every time there is a serious proposal Europe's leading clubs use it to leverage more concessions from UEFA and the Champions League.  

Currently in favour is a so-called 'Swiss model' based on chess competitions in which ten clubs would play each other in a league with the top clubs going on to a knockout competition.

This format guarantees ten European matches each season instead of six in the Champions League and it would also avoid some big clubs getting knocked out early.

This increases the financial divide in football.  According to Deloitte, revenues at the 10 richest clubs in Europe were €6.3bn last season, up from €2.6bn a decade earlier.  Covid-19 just enhances the need to boost sources of revenue.

Fans don't like the idea because they are more interested in ancient rivalries.  But globalisation remains a strong force in football as I argue in my forthcoming book on football with Agenda Publishing.   Owners think that the real money is in having a global brand.   Institutional investors from the United States in particular want to see a return for their money.

Italian charm merchant Silvio Berlusconi was the first person to float the idea in the 1990s.   More recently, Bayern Munich and other leading clubs were enticed by a proposal put forward by US billionaire Stephen Ross:https://bloomsburyfootball.com/news/2020/6/8/the-european-super-league

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez is now in the driving seat.  He wants an American style closed league with no relegation for 20 top clubs.  Games would be played midweek to allow continued participation in domestic leagues, an important consideration for Premier League clubs.

Investment bank JP Morgan is reported to be putting together a €6bn debt financing package to cover start up costs and prize money.

Plans have also been around for some time for a 'B' league of second tier clubs, once called the Atlantic League, although the North Sea league would be a more appropriate but less glamorous title.

This would involve Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Ireland.  However, Celtic won't play ball so it is a non-starter.


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