The globe was buzzing recently with news of the European Super League (ESL). Some details of a new league was hinted by some stakeholders a few months ago.
Many coaches and players had expressed their opinion against the idea, complaining about the already congested schedule.
Clubs that signed into the agreement began announcing their involvement on their various websites on Monday, April 19. Forgetting that football is nothing without the fans, their decision met with worldwide criticism. Players, politicians and national governments also voiced displeasure over the announcement.
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Club management kept coaches and players out of the loop. Considering that the issue concerns them primarily because they are the ones that will play on the pitch, this was an ill-thought decision.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many stadiums to close, leaving the beloved game without their followers. However, that did not kill the voice of the fans. The protest from all corners caused nine out of 12 clubs – that had already signed to be part of the Super League – to withdraw, killing the plan on arrival.
This shows the power of a united front against a move that is primarily geared towards making more money for the top clubs, while making other clubs weaker.
The recent UEFA reforms mean that clubs playing six games in the group stages of the Champions League and Europa League will now be playing ten. This is also a decision that does nothing for the welfare of the players.
Football clubs have learnt a valuable lesson in the past year. That players suffer burn out and develop injuries when the schedule is congested.
The club CEOs have admitted that it might be the end of the initiative. However, the football organizing body must do all that is necessary to look at all factors that led to this happening in the first place. It is particularly important that players especially are carried along. Doing this will aid understanding among stakeholders and the passion and love for the game will continue to grow.
UEFA’s authority was seriously challenged. The ESL has announced ‘suspension of operations’. As it stands, the governing body needs to go back to the drawing board and get things right after ‘surviving’ the European Super League saga.
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