By Ellis Lander

Talk has returned discussing the potential ‘European Super League’ that would see the top clubs from Europe’s smaller top flight leagues compete in an alternative to the Champions League. The idea goes back 16 years but has recently caught fire again due to the proposed new revamp for the Champions League that would see clubs outside Europe’s top leagues struggle for Champions League qualification. The fear from the clubs involved in the proposed new league is that if no action is taken in light of a new Champions League format, it will result in an even bigger financial gulf between Europe’s biggest clubs and the rest.

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In mid-October, F.C. København director Anders Hørsholt confirmed that talks are currently ongoing, with Hørsholt telling Danish newspaper BT, “If we do not act now, we will see the biggest clubs grow larger and stronger while it will be increasingly difficult for clubs like us.” He added, “It is still too early to talk about specific models, but the discussion of leagues across European borders is a theme that we look at and actively participate in.”

The new Champions League format, set for implementation in for the 2018-19 season would see the top four clubs from Europe’s top four leagues automatically gain a place in the competition, therefore making qualification harder for everyone else. Whilst this of course would benefit the bigger clubs in Europe, it stands as an issue for the smaller clubs who rely so heavily on the financial rewards gained from being in Europe’s top competition.

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As well as the financial aspect of the proposal, the new league would provide some much needed competition for many of the clubs involved, as they frequently win their domestic leagues. This is particularly true for the Scandinavian leagues that see a lack of interest due to the league winners nearly always being the same (FC København, Rosenborg BK and Malmö FF). Despite this, it would mean that these clubs are denied the financial rewards that come with participation in Europe’s elite competition. To put it into perspective, the money FC København have earned from their results in this seasons Champions League so far, is nearly double what they received for winning the Danish Superliga back in October. Also, the change would deny smaller clubs their moment in the spotlight. Leicester City’s Premier League results this season have left them in a potential relegation battle, yet they have already secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages with some fantastic performances. Whilst the previously mentioned FC København will progress if they win and FC Porto do not get a result in the final gameweek.

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Celtic are another club believed to be involved in the potential setup, with the club frequently winning the Scottish Premiership but falling way behind the bigger clubs financially. Despite this, SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster is very much against any changes and believes it would significantly damage Europe’s mid-level domestic leagues. “The threat is very real, very significant.” revealed Doncaster. “We are only talking about the cycle of 2018-21 but the direction of travel that UEFA have embarked upon is a very dangerous route. It threatens the very future of very top-level football and it is vital that a line is drawn in the sand now and the EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues) take the firm stand that is required and start the pulling back of the very damning proposals. It is important to be a domestic club champion; it is about access to the top-tier of European competitive football with the other champions of European football. Remove that and you fundamentally remove what is important about being a champion in a domestic contest.”

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