Breakaway League

[Fricky]

American billionaire’s plan to revolutionise football

ENGLAND’S five biggest clubs have held secret talks about a new European Super League.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all met with American billionaire Stephen Ross at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Tuesday.
Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and Liverpool’s Ian Ayre all emerged smiling and shaking hands after the clandestine meeting.
The Sun reports Ross’ plans are the biggest threat to the English game since the Premier League breakaway in 1992 — and would spell the end of UEFA’s Champions League.
Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins and brains behind the International Champions Cup, invited the big five to the lengthy and detailed talks at the hotel on Park Lane.
The billionaire breakaway.
The billionaire breakaway.Source:Twitter
The new competition would see the English elite join with top clubs round Europe and cut out the risks of them missing out on Champions League millions every season if they fail to qualify.
That would benefit the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, who fear missing out this season with Leicester and Spurs — conspicuous by their apparent absence — currently filling the top two slots.
United face the loss of vast revenue as they are set to miss out on the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
Might be their only chance to play in Europe.
Might be their only chance to play in Europe.Source:AFP
Liverpool are also enthusiastic about the idea as they are a global name but have not been in the elite competition too often recently - just once since 2010 while Chelsea’s balance sheet needs top-tier European football.

Arsenal and City would not want to miss out on a huge cash windfall either and if Ross can set up the European Super League it would be the end of UEFA’s competition and be one of the biggest breakaways in football history.
Ross hopes to have an agreement to launch the league shortly. The veteran wheeler dealer Ross would guarantee even more money for England’s top clubs and take away the fear of failing to qualify.
Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.Source:AFP
American real estate developer Ross, who has a net worth of more than $AUD5.79 billion, has been involved in the International Champions Cup in America, China and Australia, with a contacts book to put others to shame.
TV deals would be massive for the invited clubs and reach wide audiences, with the American and Chinese interest in Europe’s top clubs still growing.
The ICC was his creation and has been a runaway success. Crowds in America reached record levels and TV audiences were big worldwide.

[Wedgie]

Good on Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool I say, if you can't get in the Champions League with uber amounts of money just join another.
Arsenal have probably given up on ever doing anything in the Champions League anyway so can't blame them either.

[whufc]

The real story behind this scarier than a complete breakaway fomp

The champions league is looking at revamping its format due to dropping tv audiences

The big 5 clubs are looking to secure their future by arranging a deal that guardnteed them a spot in the 'champions' league regardless of PL ladder positions

That would suck for the middle road clubs looking to break into the champions league such as Leicester Tottenham west ham Southampton etc

Not sure what place Liverpool have in those big five discussions

[JK]

I think any reference to Liverpool being in a big 5 is more for global appeal, because lord knows we've been a rabble for about 6 of the last 7 seasons.

Don't like the thought of getting a leg up at the expense of other clubs.

[Wedgie]

I think any reference to Liverpool being in a big 5 is more for global appeal, because lord knows we've been a rabble for about 6 of the last 7 seasons.

Don't like the thought of getting a leg up at the expense of other clubs.

Global appeal is huge.
When I went to Hong Kong 7 years ago there was an entire floor of a department store dedicated to Liverpool, only Man U had similar. In 2016 I still can't even get a Spurs too in rebel sports here (although I can in the Eastern states).

[johntheclaret]

The real story behind this scarier than a complete breakaway fomp

The champions league is looking at revamping its format due to dropping tv audiences

The big 5 clubs are looking to secure their future by arranging a deal that guardnteed them a spot in the 'champions' league regardless of PL ladder positions

That would suck for the middle road clubs looking to break into the champions league such as Leicester Tottenham west ham Southampton etc

Not sure what place Liverpool have in those big five discussions

That stinks. Just when the Clarets are back, they go and change the rules. They'll do anything to stop us reaching the Champions league final