by Ben Burns
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2021In case you haven't noticed, in 2021, more than ever, the people hold the power. Outraged by the proposed formation of the "European Super League," soccer fans took to social media. UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) joined in to help apply pressure. Roughly 48 hours after the idea was announced, it collapsed. For those who may have never heard of any of this, let's backtrack.
Over the weekend, twelve of Europe's biggest soccer teams announced plans to join together to form the "Super League." The idea was to play mid-week games, so as not to interfere with regular league play. There would be a total of 20 teams involved. The twelve which had committed included teams from England, Spain and Italy: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and Ac Milan.
To me, initially, the plan sounded pretty good. After all, more soccer equals more wagering opportunities. Evidently, however, I was in the minority. Indeed, the reaction to the proposal was fast and furious. Watching the owners backpedal was kind of funny.
Liverpool's John Henry commented, via video message: "I want to apologize to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused ... Over these 48 hours, you were very clear ...We heard you. I heard you ... "
The rest of the clubs released similar messages. Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said this to the Italian outlet La Republica on Tuesday: “There is a blood pact between the clubs, we are going forward. This project has a 100% possibility of success.”
The very next day, Agnelli acknowledged: “... evidently no. I don’t think that project is now still up and running."
The UEFA Congress stated: "The 55 member associations and participants in the UEFA Congress condemn the declaration of a so- called “Super League.” The UEFA Congress is adamant that the closed “Super League” goes against the very concept of what it is to be European ..."
So, no Super League. Not to worry though. There's still a ton of soccer going though and the Euro Cup is right around the corner.
Stay tuned for my UFC preview, as this week's card may prove to be one of the best in quite some time.
Over the weekend, twelve of Europe's biggest soccer teams announced plans to join together to form the "Super League." The idea was to play mid-week games, so as not to interfere with regular league play. There would be a total of 20 teams involved. The twelve which had committed included teams from England, Spain and Italy: Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and Ac Milan.
To me, initially, the plan sounded pretty good. After all, more soccer equals more wagering opportunities. Evidently, however, I was in the minority. Indeed, the reaction to the proposal was fast and furious. Watching the owners backpedal was kind of funny.
Liverpool's John Henry commented, via video message: "I want to apologize to all the fans and supporters of Liverpool Football Club for the disruption I caused ... Over these 48 hours, you were very clear ...We heard you. I heard you ... "
The rest of the clubs released similar messages. Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said this to the Italian outlet La Republica on Tuesday: “There is a blood pact between the clubs, we are going forward. This project has a 100% possibility of success.”
The very next day, Agnelli acknowledged: “... evidently no. I don’t think that project is now still up and running."
The UEFA Congress stated: "The 55 member associations and participants in the UEFA Congress condemn the declaration of a so- called “Super League.” The UEFA Congress is adamant that the closed “Super League” goes against the very concept of what it is to be European ..."
So, no Super League. Not to worry though. There's still a ton of soccer going though and the Euro Cup is right around the corner.
Stay tuned for my UFC preview, as this week's card may prove to be one of the best in quite some time.
