Robert O'CarlosI'm throwing this one in for debate.
:-)
There is talk within the English football community that the proposal to allow Celtic and Rangers to join the EPL should be considered seriously.
I know Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, etc. are already members of the English leagues, but it just doesn't sit right that Celtic and Rangers should want to barge their way across the border just because there's more money to be had there. How would Blatter's 6+5 rule work then anyway? Would their 6 have to be Scottish or English?
:-)
I certainly do not believe they should be allowed to slot straight into the EPL at the expense of other clubs who might have planned a long term strategy based on the likelihood of promotion. Maybe a move into the Championship so they could attempt to get promoted into the EPL would be a better move.
Personally, my ideal scenario (if it has to happen) would be for Celtic/Rangers to join the EPL in the season before the European super league begins. That way, the EPL money would greatly disappear and the top 2 clubs from Scotland would be invited to have a go in Europe - say, Hearts and Dundee United?
:-D
30.04.2009
FeriAtsWell, Blatter's 6+5 rule is a clear violation of EU's labour laws and hence it will never be enforced in Britain. One less thing to worry about :)
Going from being big fishes in a small pond to small fishes in a big pond might not work out well for the Glasgewians. They would definetely lose the CL spots and The money they have to spend for their squad would rise considerably too. I doubt TV money would make up for theese two.
30.04.2009
Robert O'CarlosMust admit I mentioned the 6+5 half jokingly.
:-)
Although it seems that the rule could well be pushed through in some form, as the mindset is it won't affect a player's right to play for any club that's able to offer them a contract. It just comes down to whether clubs have to look for players in specific demographics. Arguing against it is to tread on dodgy ground as their are already likeminded guidelines within labour law.
Out of interest, does anybody know what the money situation is for appearing in/winning the SPL? Or the return from the first stages of the CL (let's be honest, they're never going to get too far in the competition)? I'd be interested in seeing how it would compare to the 30M a team gets for finishing bottom of the EPL.
:-)
30.04.2009
FeriAtsWikipedia says:
UEFA awards €3 million to each team that qualifies for the UEFA Champions League, plus €2.4 million for participating in the Group stage. A Group stage win is worth €600,000 and a draw is worth €300,000.
In addition, UEFA pays each quarter finalist €2.5 million, €3 million for each semi-finalist, €4 million for the runners-up and €7 million for the winners.
Assuming the Old Firm make to the groups stage and bag 6 points, the would get about €7 million.
A quick googling says SPL TV money is £125 million for 4 seasons and this sum is distrubuted equally among all clubs. So the Old Firm would get £2.5 million per year.
These 2 numbers add up to £10 million approx.
01.05.2009
Robert O'CarlosThere was an article in one of the better researched newspapers in the UK by Gabi Marcotti revealing how far UEFA has gone in planning for the European super league, suggesting that UEFA would be keen to move in that direction sooner rather than later.
:-)
In which case, Celtic and Rangers would be stabbing themselves in the back in coming to the EPL.
One further view for you. Living in Scotland, I can vouch for the fact that there is anti English feeling to be found amongst fans of the Glasgow clubs. Being English, I was advised on my first visit to Parkhead not to let my accent be heard too often. In fact, one of the favourite (minority) chants to be heard regularly on matchdays is 'If You Hate The F***ing English, Clap Your Hands'. I've never had any trouble at grounds, and I'm sure it's just good natured bravado, but it still makes me wonder generally whether the fans of the clubs would really want the move.
03.05.2009
nvrAppearently Platini is pressured by the likes of Perez for European Super League. His answer: I'd rather go back to knock-out style tournements. Such a romantic and so clueless.
Anyway, if this European Super League ever materializes, it would be a huge step forward for bigger clubs of smaller leagues.
06.07.2009
FeriAtsThere's a fresh attempt to include Celtic and Rangers into EPL, led by Bolton's chairman. Given Ranger's financial situation, this will not look attractive to other clubs.
He also suggests that the Premier League would be divided in two, top one being of 18 teams. I thought we've shown the finger to UEFA a while ago.
12.11.2009
nvrRejected, with an overwhelming majority says Beeb. They are still considering the two tier thing appearently.
12.11.2009
