English Football League calls for reform of domestic game in European Super League fallout
ByReuters
Published 21/04/2021 at 14:52 GMT
The EFL says there is a need for an economic rest to ensure all clubs have a sustainable future, "promoting the principles that so many have fought for", after the six clubs which signed up for the new competition all did a dramatic u-turn. The EFL says it failed "in part due to a model of distorted and unfair financial distributions".
Fans protested against the proposals for a new European Super League
Image credit: Getty Images
The English Football League (EFL) said on Wednesday it was hoping for much-needed reforms to the distribution of wealth in the domestic league after six Premier League clubs quit the breakaway European Super League project.
The six Premier League clubs involved - Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur - withdrew within hours of each other on Tuesday following a backlash against the plans.
Breakaway Super League founder and Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Wednesday that the project could no longer go ahead after the English clubs withdrew.
The EFL, the governing body of the three divisions below the Premier League, welcomed the decision.
"The European Super League failed in part due to a model of distorted and unfair financial distributions, a criticism that can also be levelled at the current financial model in our own domestic game," the EFL said in a statement.
The EFL hopes the same enthusiasm can be immediately directed to achieve appropriate and much-needed change to the distribution of wealth in our domestic leagues, and we will work with all parties to push for this reform.
"By resetting economically, we can support all clubs in achieving a sustainable future, promoting the principles that so many have fought for."
The EFL said reforms to the English domestic game must also consider UEFA's expanded Champions League due to start in 2024, saying it pose an "existential threat" to competitions such as the League Cup.
"The EFL will embrace the Government's fan-led review and confirm we will contribute fully to help shape any decisions taken and ensure they are made in the best interests of supporters and the Clubs that we represent," the EFL said.
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