European Super League: There were meant to be 15, there were 12… and falling

The bombshell announcement of the European Super League talked about 15 founders, with three about to be announced. Six English clubs, three Spanish outfits and the same number of Italian sides, with the three about to join, being two clubs from German and one from France. Fifteen founders, who would have their participation guaranteed. Each year five other clubs would be invited to this gathering of the great and good. But within 24 hours of the announcement we knew the two German clubs and the French side had said no. Notable absences in the line-up. Bayern is a football standard, run by former players. PSG the perfect example of a rich man’s plaything.

Protests in England against the Super League

One day later and we’ve seen organised protests In England, where even Prince William has raised his voice against the plan. Before that, Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister. At Chelsea the fans stopped the team’s arrival before the game against Brighton. At City, none other than Guardiola expressed, in educated terms, his doubts about a model that doesn’t reward league position. Milner, captain of another of conspirator clubs, Liverpool, slammed the idea on statements to Sky Sports after the game against Leeds: “I don’t like it and I hope it doesn’t happen.” On the back of all this, City decided to walk away - what seems to be the beginning of the end.

European Super League, how it ends

Meanwhile, in Madrid, a judge seized with an excess of precaution issued an order to protect the Super League from the threats of UEFA and FIFA, who I’m sure are utterly paralysed by the ruling. It would be good if this could end in peace, that the conspirators make an orderly exit, while UEFA makes a little more room for them and offers them more transparency, which is only fair. And if they can earn some more money, well why not, but without breaking anything. Though they too need to administer the cash better. One of the conspirators, Tottenham, have just lobbed Mourinho 23 million euros to get rid of him. Financial crisis, indeed.