Why was the European Super League doomed right from the beginning?

The European Super League has now been suspended after the withdrawal of the six Premier League clubs from England.

Liverpool fans and the fan clubs from the other Premier League clubs protested vehemently against the European Super League. (Image credit: Sky Sports Twitter)
By Siddharth vishwanathan | Apr 21, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The European Super League has been suspended after the withdrawal of the six Premier League clubs from England. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were the clubs that were part of the 12 ‘founding members’ of the European Super League. When the announcement was made, there was tremendous hostility from former players, UEFA, the United Kingdom government and analysts. 

Why was European Super League, designed to ‘revolutionise the game’ doomed? What are the factors behind the downfall? Here are some of the factors.

Did fan pressure play a part in influencing the clubs’ decision?

Absolutely. The hostility that the fans of the six clubs demonstrated people power. Liverpool made the decision after Fenway Sports Group, the club’s parent company, bowed to public pressure. Chelsea’s fans protested against their own team before the game in Brighton.

Did UEFA’s clear opposition play a role? 

UEFA were very clear about the European Super League. They were not happy with the clubs that were part of the breakaway league. UEFA had many aces in their pack. They could have banned players, banned the sides from playing the Europa and the Champions League. Football Associations in England might have deducted points and stripped the clubs of championships. In short, there was too much at stake.

Did the absence of German and French clubs hurt the European Super League?

It is very difficult to pinpoint whether that was one of the reasons. French and German clubs currently have great value. They are one of the strongest economies in Europe. According to an analysis in ESPN, the absence of two economic powerhouses would have made it tough for the European Super League in acquiring sponsors and broadcasters.

Was the entire two-day exercise a PR disaster for the clubs?

Yes. It was a massive blunder. Consider this. A couple of days back, everyone had voted for the UEFA Champions League reform which would see 36 teams participate in the 2024/25 season. Two days later, they announced they were part of the European Super League. This infuriated UEFA and the fan clubs. This withdrawal might be welcomed, but it is a PR debacle of the year.

What next for European Football?

Things seem to be coming back to normal. Top executives from all the clubs are resigning. Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus have not yet released a statement. Fan clubs can breathe a sigh of relief. The football world might be back to how it was before the UEFA Champions League reform voting on Sunday.





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