European Super League impact on Pulisic, McKennie and Dest
The clubs that some of the United States Men’s National Team belong to are part of the new European Super League, which could see them banned.
The creation of the European Super League has shocked the world of football and it has been the biggest story of the day. 12 of the biggest teams in Europe announced on Sunday night that they intend to form a new competition that would offer permanent spots to them with games being played in the middle of the week, a direct competitor to the current UEFA Champions League.
The idea is that these teams would remain in their domestic competitions, but this plan is opposed by FIFA and UEFA, the governing bodies for international and European football, respectively. In theory the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin only has two options: accept the creation and terms of the European Super League or ban the teams from future competitions.
Americans involved in the Super League
The Super League, if it proceeds, would significantly alter how European football operates and there are a lot of Americans involved that would be affected by it. Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Weston McKennie (Juventus) and Sergiño Dest (FC Barcelona) have long-term contracts with their respective teams and could be forced to make tough decisions if the Super League starts to operate.
If the European Super League does separate from FIFA and UEFA, then the American players mentioned before could be banned from participating with the USMNT in any FIFA events, such as the World Cup, Gold Cup and friendlies during the FIFA international break. So the United States men’s national team might not be able to call on the core of players that are part of their ‘golden generation.’
On the other hand, the Americans that would benefit from the creation of the ESL are the owners of these clubs. It is known that Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez is behind this project and behind him are several American bosses that would benefit financially from this new project.
Stan Kroenke
He has an estimated net worth of 8.2 million dollars as of 2021. Kroenke owns Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, which is the holding company of English Association football clubs Arsenal F.C, Arsenal W.F.C., the Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), among others. The Missouri borned could be one of the vice presidents of the ESL.
John W. Henry
According to Forbes he has an estimated net worth of 2.8 billion dollars. The American businessman is the founder of John W. Henry & Company and he is the principal owner of the Boston Red Soxs (MLB), Liverpool Football Club (Premier League), the Boston Globe and co-owner of the Roush Fenway Racing. The 72-year-old would be part of the executive committee of the ESL.
Joel Glazer
The American businessman has a net worth of approximately $1 billion and he is a member of the Glazer family who owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and Manchester United (Premier League). Joel Glazer is expected to be one of the vice presidents of the ESL.
“By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid,” Glazer said in a statement.
JP Morgan involved in the Super League
The United States investment bank has reportedly agreed to underwrite an initial $4.2 billion investment that could increase to $4.8 billion to get the European Super League going as soon as possible. Also the clubs involved are promised between 200 to 300 million as a ‘welcome bonus.’