When you choose the opposing side of the fans, winning becomes impossible.

Iti911

Hi everyone! Actually, there's a big news in the football world recently that I'm eager to share my thoughts on with you. Due to time constraints, I've delayed writing about it until today. The topic I want to discuss today is the revived possibility of the European Super League (ESL) following the European Union's announcement that it might be reconsidered. This has sparked opposition from the majority of European football teams and fans.

Firstly, the ESL, was initially proposed as a competition to bring together top teams from across Europe, including the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, in a league format. The selling point was the promise of high-profile matches every week, presenting itself as an alternative to the UEFA Champions League.

However, the ESL faced fierce backlash immediately after its announcement. Fans from all over Europe protested through demonstrations, football associations issued statements opposing the ESL, and threats were made that any team joining the ESL would lose the right to participate in their domestic leagues. Under immense pressure, several English clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, withdrew from the ESL. Despite this, Real Madrid and Barcelona remained steadfast in their support of the ESL.

So, why was the ESL rejected by the entire European football community? The main reason lies in the fatal flaw in the league's design. Football's status as the world's top sport is rooted in its community nature, especially in Europe, where grassroots football forms the foundation. While fans globally may focus on elite clubs, local teams in Europe often have sizable audiences. The fundamental problem with the ESL was its excessive focus on elite teams. For example, if the ESL could generate $1000, compared to the domestic league's $10, elite clubs would prioritize the ESL, diminishing the appeal of local leagues over time.

The ESL's rejection is also linked to its flawed rules, such as the absurd provision that elite clubs would not face relegation, ensuring their perpetual participation. The absence of a promotion-relegation system meant that elite clubs could stay in the ESL indefinitely, while smaller teams' hopes of entering the ESL were increasingly slim. Therefore, the ESL's establishment only served to benefit the elite, offering little to smaller clubs.

Football's global preeminence is based on the idea that anyone, regardless of social class, has the chance to become a star with talent discovered by local scouts. However, if the ESL makes survival difficult for smaller clubs, the potential talents that could be unearthed may go unnoticed. While we may not watch matches of smaller clubs, the reality is that football talent isn't solely developed by elite clubs but is often discovered and nurtured by smaller ones. These talents then grow to a level where they can contribute to elite clubs, creating a healthy cycle. The ESL threatened to disrupt this cycle.

In conclusion, the ESL will likely never be accepted by European football. The persistence of Real Madrid and Barcelona in supporting the ESL is largely self-serving, aimed at consolidating their positions. With the rise of the English Premier League in recent years, there's a trend of it surpassing Real Madrid and Barcelona. Therefore, these two clubs aim to use the ESL as a means to prevent this shift.

Ritu13

Gives smaller clubs some opportunities to make money. They already have the UEFA Champions League, there's no need for a European Super League.

Yamini003

The American owners in the English Premier League are more eager to establish a European Super League than even Real Madrid and Barcelona. It's just that the pressure is too great. Haha.

Kahn332

In the end, if the competition offers more money, it will always attract teams to participate. After all, clubs are ultimately in it for profit, aren't they?